MODELING POWER-LINE ICING IN FREEZING PRECIPITATION

The existing widely used models of power line icing in freezing precip itation are conceptually evaluated. The reasons for the different pred ictions by the models are pointed out, and it is shown that none of th r models is both correct and complete in predicting design glaze ice l oads. Improvements to the modeling are proposed and a new comprehensiv e numerical model is presented. This model includes detailed simulatio n of icicle growth. The results of the new model show that earlier mod els underestimate ice loads under certain conditions. Furthermore, the new model shows that ice loads formed close to 0 degrees C may be muc h higher than those formed at lower temperatures, other conditions bei ng the same. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.