National Grid is deploying technology on its electricity transmission network that could expand the capacity of its existing overhead power lines allowing greater flows of renewable electricity.
National Grid is partnering with LineVision on the project.
The new technology has the potential to unlock 600MW of additional capacity a year, enough to power more than 500,000 homes.
By increasing capacity and allowing more renewable power to flow this technology could also reduce constraint payments (where the electricity system operator pays generators to stop producing power to avoid overloading the transmission system), with this trial potentially saving £1.4m in constraint costs a year.
LineVision provides non-contact overhead power line monitoring systems and it is installing sensors and a dynamic line rating (DLR) platform on a circuit in the North of England to increase its power carrying limit.
The sensors will continuously monitor the transmission lines and apply advanced analytics to calculate the DLR.
The rating is determined by a power lines physical and electrical properties, such as size, resistance and maximum safe operating temperature, as well as the local weather conditions.
Electricity transmission lines have historically been operated using a “static” line rating calculated using conservative and static values for assumed weather conditions. LineVision’s “dynamic” line ratings determine capacity limits by combining real-time conductor properties and forecasted weather conditions, allowing for more informed grid operations and safely increasing operational limits.
The two-year trial on a 275kV circuit between Penwortham and Kirkby in Cumbria follows the successful implementation of LineVision technology on National Grid’s networks in New York and Massachusetts and is part of National Grid’s ongoing investment to increase the grid’s capacity and connect the renewable power needed for Britain to reach its net zero by 2050.
Lydia Ogilvie, Director of Network Strategy and Operations for National Grid said: “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.
“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.”