Calculation of conductive ions distribution in icicle and melting water conductivity

Abstract The flashover problem of ice‐covered insulators has seriously affected the safe operation of transmission lines. Numerous researches have shown that the high conductivity water film on the surface is determined by the conductive ions distribution in the icicle which is the key factor affecting the flashover voltage of ice‐covered insulators. In our previous work, the conductive ions distribution in the icicle has been obtained through experiments and simulation analysis. In order to calculate the conductivity of the water film, the conductive ion‐specific content at different positions in the icicle has been calculated mathematically. In addition, based on the simulation of icicle melting process, the icicle melting process is analysed, and the melting water conductivity of the icicle is calculated. Moreover, melting ice test is carried out in artificial climate chamber to verify the validity of the calculation method. The calculated results are in good agreement with the test results. The conclusion obtained here would provide theoretical basis for establishing a flashover model of ice‐covered insulators.