A Review of Transmission Line Icing Disasters: Mechanisms, Detection, and Prevention

Transmission line icing poses a significant natural disaster threat to power grid security. This paper systematically reviews recent advances in the understanding of icing mechanisms, intelligent detection, and prevention technologies, while providing perspectives on future development directions. In mechanistic research, although a multi-physics coupling framework has been established, characterization of dynamic evolution over complex terrain and coupled physical mechanisms remains inadequate. Detection technology is undergoing a paradigm shift from traditional contact measurements to non-contact intelligent perception. Visual systems based on UAVs and fixed platforms have achieved breakthroughs in ice recognition and thickness retrieval, yet their performance remains constrained by image quality, data scale, and edge computing capabilities. Anti-/de-icing technologies have evolved into an integrated system combining active intervention and passive defense: DC de-icing (particularly MMC-based topologies) has become the mainstream active solution for high-voltage lines due to its high efficiency and low energy consumption; superhydrophobic coatings, photothermal functional coatings, and expanded-diameter conductors show promising potential but face challenges in durability, environmental adaptability, and costs. Future development relies on the deep integration of mechanistic research, intelligent perception, and active prevention technologies. Through multidisciplinary innovation, key technologies such as digital twins, photo-electro-thermal collaborative response systems, and intelligent self-healing materials will be advanced, with the ultimate goal of comprehensively enhancing power grid resilience under extreme climate conditions.