National Grid is rolling out a new non-contact overhead power line monitoring system as part of a trial that could unlock 600MW of additional capacity a year.
LineVision is providing the system, which includes installing sensors and a dynamic line rating (DLR) platform on a circuit in the North of England.
This is designed to continuously monitor the transmission lines, applying advanced analytics to calculate the DLR, which is determined by both physical and electrical properties such as size, resistance and the maximum safe operating temperature, as well as the local weather conditions.
Historically, electricity transmission lines have been operated using a static line rating that was calculated using conservative and static values for assumed weather conditions.
LineVision’s system on the other had can determine capacity limits by combining real-time conductor properties and forecasted weather conditions. This allows for more informed grid operations, and for operational limits to be safely increased.
By increasing the capacity on the transmission network and allowing more renewable power to flow through it, the technology could also reduce constraint payments. The trial is expected to save £1.4 million in constraint costs a year.
“To meet the increasing demand for electricity and deliver net zero our network needs to grow, but at the same time we are continually looking at ways of expanding capacity on our existing infrastructure,” said Lydia Ogilvie, director of Network Strategy and Operations for National Grid.
“I’m proud that National Grid is leading the way in using transformational and innovative engineering, integrating vital grid enhancing technologies like LineVision’s, to decarbonise and deliver world class reliability, at lowest costs for consumers.”
The trial will run for two years on a 275kV circuit between Penwortham and Kirkby in Cumbria, and follows on from the use of LineVisision’s technology on National Grid’s networks in New York and Massachusetts.
“LineVision’s DLR platform can double the integration of renewables on the grid and we’re pleased to work with our colleagues once again at National Grid to accelerate the path to net-zero,” said Hudson Gilmer, CEO of LineVision.