Research and Application of DC De-Icing Technology in China Southern Power Grid

Ice-clad transmission lines can seriously damage a power grid, causing a partial or entire breakdown. De-icing the transmission line is a good method to prevent recurrence of such a situation. The development of dc de-icing technology can make difference in power grids preventing an ice disaster. Based on the calculation, analysis, and tests in the artificial climate chamber of the conductor de-icing parameters, the dc de-icing technical scheme for the typical transmission lines at various voltage levels in China Southern Power Grid is proposed. Two economical and practical topological structures of the dc de-icer have been proposed, and the prototypes have been developed and tested in the field successfully. Then, the defensive strategy of the power grid for ice disaster based on dc dicers is proposed. The application during the icing season of 2009-2012 in China shows that the dc de-icing method is an effective means to prevent an ice disaster in the power grid.