Review on Corrosion Development and Studies on Overhead Line Conductors

Overhead line conductors play a critical role in the transmission of electrical power, ensuring the efficient flow of electricity across long distances. However, these conductors are vulnerable to environmental factors, which can lead to corrosion—a major issue that compromises their structural integrity and operational efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the corrosion phenomenon affecting overhead line conductors, exploring how corrosion develops over time and identifying the key factors that influence its progression, including environmental exposure and material composition. The chemical reactions involved in the corrosion process and the subsequent impacts on conductor performance are analysed in detail. The review also examines various mitigation strategies designed to protect overhead line conductors from corrosion, including protective coatings, cathodic protection, and design improvements. In addition, the paper addresses the importance of continuous monitoring to detect early signs of corrosion, emphasizing the role of advanced sensor technologies and inspection methods. The modelling approaches and key findings from relevant studies are discussed to highlight their significance in corrosion research.