Diameter correction coefficient of ice thickness on conductors at natural ice observation stations

Abstract

In the construction or reconstruction of transmission lines for cold climate region, selection of ice thickness design criterion is an important factor to improve the lines anti-icing performance. Indeed if the designed ice thickness selection is excessively thin, it is hard for the conductors to keep safe and stable operation under icing conditions; and if the designed ice thickness selection is excessively large, the investment of the construction or the reconstruction can several times increase. Hence, how to determine the reasonable ice thickness design criterion and make it meet the economy and safe demands is an important problem to the construction and reconstruction project of the lines. The influence mechanism of diameter on conductors icing is analysed in this study. Based on the results of icing accretion on conductors at several natural ice observation stations in recent years, the diameter correction coefficient (Kω) of icing thickness on conductors is proposed. The Kω can meet the demand of the ice thickness design of the lines for observed regions. Moreover, the influence of height on ice thickness on conductors is analysed. The results may provide invaluable reference for engineering applications designing reliable power transmission lines for cold climate region. © 2013 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.