Analyzing Loads from Ice Shedding Conductors for UHV Transmission Towers in Heavy Icing Areas

Abstract

In this paper, a finite element analysis (FEA) model of seven span continuous conductors and insulators for an ultra high voltage (UHV) transmission line in a heavy icing area was established for ice shedding analysis. The parameters considered in the ice shedding simulation analysis include damping ratio, ice shedding ratio, ice shedding modes, and ice thickness. The dynamic responses including jumping heights, unbalanced tensions, and vertical loads at the end of the insulator were obtained. The effects of each of the parameters on the dynamic responses were discussed. The design values for unbalanced tensions and vertical loads were proposed for the UHV suspension tower in a heavy icing area based on the analyses results. The dynamic magnification factors of the vertical load should be between 1.06 and 1.11. For the suspension tower in 20 and 30 mm icing areas, the uplift load percentage is proposed to be 10%. For the suspension towers in 40 and 50 mm icing areas, the uplift load percentage is proposed to be 5%.