Analysis of the possibilities to improve the reliability of a 15 kV overhead line exposed to catastrophic icing in Poland

The paper is a result of a synergic cooperation of two academic teams, i.e. power engineering and mechanical teams, and a distribution system operator. A real 15 kV overhead line exposed to a catastrophic load of ice and rime was analyzed and three solutions to improve the reliability of the tested object in such conditions were examined. Authors considered: shortening the length of the line spans, heating the main line with increased current and rebuilding the overhead line to a cable line. The researches worked out a FEM model taking into account the newest normatives, simulated the model, experimentally increased the load on the real line with measured wire temperature, and performed multi-variant calculations to determine indicators of reliability, i.e. SAIDI and SAIFI. The analyses were followed by conclusions thanks to which the reliability of power lines exposed to catastrophic icing could be increased. These inferences should be considered and applied by all distribution system operators in Poland.