The wholesale adoption of ACCC conductors in the energy supply market, which offer twice the power supply capacity of existing conductors, has been prevented due to concerns regarding their long term performance under ice-loading. Effective durable anti-ice accretion solutions do not exist. To address the current & pressing need to increase grid capacity using existing support infrastructure, we propose the development of an effective & durable anti-icing coating using cutting edge super hydrophobic technology. The application of this technology on ACCC conductors will facilitate their safe adoption in the market & deliver the following benefits:
1. Increase two fold the current carrying capacity of conductor lines, without upgrade of existing infrastructure; 2. Substantially reduce maintenance and associated costs (£900million savings) up to the year 2020
2. Reduced environmental impact as access to towers for foundation upgrades would not be required
4. Based on supply of energy to all UK homes (117,000 GWh per year), replacing 10% of existing ACSR lines with ACCC conductors will reduce line losses by 2,925GWh (£175million) and prevent 1.23million tonnes CO2.