Coating Applications for Power Systems by Alberto Pigini

Recent surface engineering techniques have resulted in development of advanced coatings with properties that include self-cleaning, ice-phobicity and anti-corrosion. These technologies can potentially benefit the power industry through reduced risk of flashovers on insulators, lower corona losses as well as fewer mechanical problems caused by ice and snow accretion. For example, coatings can help reduce radio and audible noise from conductors when new, especially in the presence of rain and other climatic conditions that lead to formation of water droplets on the conductor. Coatings can also help support environmental issues by reducing visual impact of overhead power lines. This presentation reviews the main coating applications in power systems and offers a case history to illustrate the types of success that can be achieved.