Numerical Study of Droplet Impact Dynamics on the ACSR Cable for Studying Ice Adhesion and Accretion on Real Power Lines

Abstract

Ice adhesion and accretion on power lines is a severe problem that can pose a threat to the electric power transmission, and this icing phenomenon is significantly related to the impact dynamics of freezing rain droplets. In the current paper, this process was studied by using a CFD way, and the model was verified by an experiment with a high-speed camera. The detail droplet impact processes on the surface of a very commonly used overhead power line (the ACSR-type cable) were analyzed. The effects of surface wettability (θ = 67°~135°) and initial droplet impact velocity (We = 22~219) on the evolution of the liquid-solid contact area during the whole process and the amount of the residual liquid on the power line surface after impact were studied. Meanwhile, the influence of the surface structure of the ACSR power line on the droplet impact dynamics was analyzed. Results show that the capturing of impact droplets can be enhanced by the grooved structures on a hydrophilic ACSR power line surface, while differently the expelling of impact droplets can be enhanced by these grooved structures on a hydrophobic ACSR power line surface. By analyzing the possible influence of the surface structure of an ACSR power line on the phase transition of the impact droplets, these grooved structures could facilitate the formation of ice nucleation which can finally lead to the ice adhesion and accretion on an ACSR power line is more serious than that on a traditional smooth cylindrical power line.

Anti-Icing Mechanism for a Novel Slippery Aluminum Stranded Conductor

“…For the bare conductor, the depression enhances the capture of the droplet. In contrast, even if the droplet is pinned on the SHP-conductor surface, the pinning position is easy to occur at the protrusion, as the hydrophobic depression can strengthen the shedding of droplets . For the SLIPS-conductor, water droplets are more likely to slide along the depressions.…”

“…In contrast, even if the droplet is pinned on the SHP-conductor surface, the pinning position is easy to occur at the protrusion, as the hydrophobic depression can strengthen the shedding of droplets. 64 For the SLIPS-conductor, water droplets are more likely to slide along the depressions. Therefore, the depression influences the wettability of droplets.…”

A Review on Superhydrophobic Surface with Anti-Icing Properties in Overhead Transmission Lines

“…Some dead corners also have difficulties in operating. In addition, high-strength anti-icing conductors [18] and ice-melting equipment [15] are other schemes for wide adoption in the ice coverage of overhead lines. High-strength icing-resistant conductors show a light weight and high load capacity relative to conventional Al lines, but are restricted in the expensive cost and the transmission level [19].…”