Ice-phobic Coated Ground Cable Snow Accretion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing snow accretion on overhead power line cables, particularly ground cables, are either costly, require complex installation, or have durability issues under environmental conditions, and do not effectively address the rotational overload caused by snow accumulation.
Innovation Solution
Partially coating the conductive wires of the ground cable's outer crown with an 'ice-phobic' material, such as fluorinated polymers like PTFE or ETFE, to allow snow sleeves to slide off while maintaining electrical conductivity and resistance, and using this coating in a cost-effective and durable manner that does not require post-installation intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If counterweights are installed on ground cables to prevent snow accretion, then snow accumulation is reduced, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a non-adhesive coating specifically to the outer crown wires where snow accretion occurs, rather than installing mechanical counterweights along the entire cable. This localized treatment prevents snow accumulation at the critical interface between cable and snow while maintaining the simplicity of the existing cable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical counterweight system with a surface coating that creates non-adhesive properties. Instead of using mass and geometry to limit rotation, the coating prevents snow from adhering to the cable surface in the first place, eliminating the need for complex mechanical installations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If counterweights are used to limit cable rotation, then snow sleeve accretion is prevented, but manufacturing and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface properties of the outer crown wires by applying a coating with specific non-adhesive characteristics. This parameter change in surface chemistry prevents snow adhesion without requiring the addition of expensive counterweight components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of the base cable structure combined with a non-adhesive coating layer. This composite approach maintains the electrical and mechanical functions of the original cable while adding snow prevention properties through a cost-effective coating material.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the ground cable outer crown wires are coated with ice-phobic material, then snow accretion is prevented, but electrical conductivity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is applied selectively to the outer surface of the crown wires where snow contact occurs, while the core conductive elements remain uncovered. This localized application preserves electrical conductivity pathways while providing snow prevention at the critical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating material is designed to be electrically homogeneous with the base wire material, ensuring that the coating does not create electrical discontinuities. The coating maintains similar electrical properties to the underlying conductor while providing non-adhesive surface characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents snow accumulation on ground cables, ensuring cable stability and electrical functionality without increasing installation costs or compromising durability, and can be easily integrated into existing maintenance procedures.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of said wires (7) of the outer crown (5) is partly covered with an 'ice-phobic' material (8), i.e. with a material which does not allow the accretion of snow
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Cable (1) for overhead power line used to transfer electrical energy comprises a core (2) and an outer coating or outer crown (5), the latter being formed by a plurality of metal wires (7). At least part of these metal wires (7) is partly coated with a material suitable to facilitate the detachment of the snow which accretes on said cable (1).