Study of different mathematical approaches in determining the dynamic rating of overhead power lines and a comparison with real time monitoring data

Abstract

Electricity generation is changing as new, renewable and smaller generation facilities are created, and classic topologies have to accommodate this distributed generation. These changes lead to the creation of smart grids in which advanced generation, information and communication technologies are needed.

Information metering is important, and one of the most important grid parameters to be measured and controlled is the temperature of overhead conductors due to their relation to the maximum allowable sag of the line.

The temperature and current of an overhead conductor and the weather conditions surrounding the cable are measured every 8 min for more than a year. With these data, the accuracies of the different algorithms presented in the standards (CIGRE TB601 and IEEE 738) are studied by implementing them in MATLAB®.

The use of precise measurements of solar radiation and low wind speeds with ultrasonic anemometers, improves the accuracy of the estimated temperature compared with the real measured conductor temperature. Additionally, using dynamic algorithms instead of assuming a steady state analysis increases the accuracy. However, an equilibrium between the accuracy and mathematical complexity should be obtained depending on the specific needs.