Extension of dynamic line rating models with the effect of conductor aging

Abstract

The establishment of a dynamic line rating (DLR) system by using smart grid technologies with advanced meteorological and line monitoring sensors makes the electric power system more flexible. By developing a DLR-based system, it can lead to many benefits, including transmission capacity growth and an increased security of supply at consumers side, while the reliability of the network also can be enhanced. Accordingly, there is an opportunity not only constantly monitoring the transmission lines' load but also the thermal state of the conductors, on which based different types of degradation can be detected, even prevented. To get a more comprehensive picture of a power line, the aging of such parts like fittings, jumpers and conductors can be considered through monitoring the weather parameters, line loading and thermal state of the line elements. In addition, the sag of the overhead line spans is one of the most important factors in connection with the available transmission capacity. Thus, a case study was conducted in which the permanent degradation of the conductors was examined based on sag monitoring. This study summarizes the aging models of power line elements, which practical application is shown via a case study.