Study on the influence of interphase spacers on ice shedding of three-phase iced eight-bundled transmission lines

Sudden ice shedding from three-phase iced eight-bundled transmission lines with inverted-triangle arrangement was numerically and experimentally modeled. The staggered-arrangement groups and compact-arrangement groups (including triangular and V-shaped structures) of interphase spacers were considered to investigate the inhibition effects on ice shedding. Based on the similarity theory, a modification method was proposed to determine the natural frequency similarity between model and prototype. According to the dynamic tension, interphase distance, and jumping height, the reduction rate of dynamic tension, interphase-distance ratio, reduction rate of jumping height, and comprehensive reduction rates were determined for different arrangements of the interphase spacers. The inhibition effects of different factors on ice shedding were discussed for different lines, including the position and number of transmission lines for the ice-shedding phase and the various possible arrangements of interphase spacers. Deicing schemes for the different line configurations were proposed, and the best arrangement of interphase spacers was selected for each case. The present study provides a theoretical foundation for selecting an appropriate arrangement of interphase spacers during ice shedding. •The influence of interphase spacers on ice shedding has been investigated numerically and experimentally.•The staggered- and compact-arrangement groups of interphase spacers were considered.•The inhibition effects of interphase spacers on ice shedding correlates with its number and arrangement forms.•Deicing schemes for the different line configurations were proposed.