Improving the Performance of High-Voltage Insulators Under Atmospheric Icing Conditions

PROJECT COST:

750 000 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

150 000 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

In this four-year project, in collaboration with Hydro-Québec’s research institute (IREQ), we are conducting research focused on the development of ice-repellent coatings for substation insulators and high-voltage ceramic (porcelain or glass) overhead lines. These coatings offer certain advantages, including ease of application, time savings compared to de-icing, and low manufacturing costs. Two approaches are proposed for the development of anti-icing coatings:

The first approach is based on the principle known as “air trapping.” This strategy aims to prevent ice nucleation or germination and promotes the rapid removal of water droplets that reach the surface before they freeze. This principle relies on superhydrophobic coating.
The second approach, known as “liquid trapping,” aims to significantly reduce ice adhesion to the surface in question by using a layer of organic liquid at the ice/solid surface interface.

The proposed project will help maintain Canada’s leadership—which is heavily dependent on icing—as a major electricity producer. The development of an anti-icing coating would significantly reduce the risk and frequency of power outages and lessen the financial impact of severe ice and snow storms. Finally, this multidisciplinary project (materials engineering and electrical engineering) will help train two postdoctoral fellows, two doctoral students, one master’s student, and three undergraduate students, who will also constitute a top-tier talent pool for future hiring.