Techniques for the dynamic analysis of the capacity of electricity transmission networks based on conductor models and real-time meteorological and electrical measurements

Today, there is a global decarbonization plan associated with the energy transition, with electric grids playing a critical role in the clean energy transition. Grid infrastructure needs to be expanded and strengthened to increase its capacity. Inadequate grid capacity creates bottlenecks and leads to longer waiting times for grid connections, more grid congestion, higher costs directly for users, and threatens current climate goals. 

Power lines are typically operated below their static line rating (SLR), which is calculated when the conductor is operating at its maximum allowable temperature under conservative weather conditions. In contrast, dynamic line rating (DLR) determines the actual ampacity when the lines are operated at the maximum allowable temperature under actual weather conditions while maintaining sag clearances. DLR makes it possible to use the full capacity of the lines at all times and is useful for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into existing power grids. 

The AmpacityMaster project will develop improved conductor models and a wireless sensor to accurately determine the current rating or ampacity of line conductors in real time without exceeding safe temperature and sag clearance limits. This will require real-time measurement of electrical line parameters and variables, as well as weather variables, using dedicated sensors. These measured variables are used to feed mathematical models of the conductors (improved versions of the Cigré, IEEE and IEC models) from which the maximum conductor DLR rating is dynamically obtained. In order to test the conductors under realistic conditions, an important infrastructure is required: a high voltage and a high current laboratory are needed, and the conductors have to be tested under different temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation conditions. These tests will be carried out at the UPC's AMBER laboratory of the UPC (https://amber.upc.edu/en) which has most of the equipment needed to perform such tests.

The AmpacityMaster project will produce many research developments in the areas of DLR models and wireless sensors. 

In the area of DLR conductor models, the project will focus on developing improved conductor models that account for effects such as radial and circumferential temperature distribution, characterization of absorptivity/emissivity values and their temperature dependence, improved description of internal heating for steel core conductors, improved characterization of effective thermal conductivity, improved description of corona heating, icing and evaporative cooling effects, or estimation of wind effects without the need to measure wind speed and direction. The final model will be able to determine the maximum current capacity of the conductor while respecting the maximum allowable temperature and sag clearances under actual weather conditions.

The applicants will use their expertise and recent developments in the field of wireless sensors to build and test an operational wireless sensor prototype that will be able to accurately measure the internal conductor resistance, current, voltage and circumferential temperature distribution in real time. Electric field and corona current energy harvesting research will be conducted to attempt to eliminate or minimize the use of batteries. The sensor will be fully tested in the AMBER laboratory.