Chill Out! Protecting Power Lines From Freezing Rain
CWSF · 2026 Environment & Climate Change Bronze Medal
Overview
Freezing rain can build up on power lines and cause serious damage, leading to power outages that affect safety, cost money, and disrupt services. In this project, I studied whether eco-friendly coatings could help reduce ice buildup on power lines during freezing rain. I tested materials including beeswax, coconut oil, a sand/glue mix, and beet juice on simulated power lines, and I looked at how the coatings held up over time in the rain. Because the oil coating gave the best results, I continued the project with phase three by exploring different oils as options, including adding research to better understand the possible environmental effects of these coatings and which one is the most environmentally friendly. This project is important because it looks at possible environmentally friendly ways to reduce ice buildup on power lines and help lower the risk of damage and outages during winter storms.
Awards (2)
- Bronze Medal
- Selected for CWSF 2026
Competition history
- CWSF 2026
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