Modeling power line icing in freezing precipitation

The existing widely used models of power line icing in freezing precipitation are conceptully evaluated. The reasons for the different predictions by die models are pointed out, and it is shown that none of the models is both correct and complete in predicting design glaze ice loads. Improvements to the modelling are proposed and a new comprehensive numerical model is presented. This model includes detailed simulation of icicle growth. The results of the new model show that earlier models underestimate ice loads under certain conditions. Furtherniore, the new model shows, that ice loads formed close to 0 °C may be much higher than those formed at lower temperatures, other conditions being the same