Securing the grid with smart DLR sensor location

A critical part of a line, shielded from direct wind, overheated despite favorable forecasts. A Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) sensor placed on that segment revealed the real-time risk, enabling timely action to maintain grid safety.

In the heart of Europe, a renowned power system operator faced an unexpected challenge... The day began with promising weather forecasts predicting strong winds, ideal for cooling power lines and enhancing their capacity to convey renewable energy from a nearby wind farm. Confident in these predictions, the operator anticipated a smooth day of operations.

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However, the reality was far from what he expected. The critical power line, hidden from the direct impact of the wind, did not cool off as forecasted. Luckily enough, a DLR sensor installed on this crucial line notified the operator of the actual conditions, letting him know that the line would not be able to handle the forecasted load.

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Looking at the graphs hereabove, we can clearly see that forecasted wind for that day didn’t have the same impact on different segments of lines, showing earlier and higher results on segment A than on segment B.

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As the day progressed, the line's temperature rose, and thanks to real-time data collected by the DLR sensor installed on the critical line, the system's safety mode was triggered, allowing the TSO to keep operating in a safe environment.

The red line on the above graph shows how close to the real-time limit the current got to, forcing the line to switch to safety mode for a couple of hours.

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This case study underscored the vital importance of installing sensors on critical lines. By doing so, the operator can rely on actual results based on real-time data, allowing him to make informed decisions, safeguard the grid users and avoid costly mistakes.

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In the world of power system operations, assumptions can lead dramatic safety issues. Precision, backed by reliable data from sensors, is essential for efficient and safe energy transmission. Ampacimon’s real-time data monitoring offers a safe and efficient way to continuously assess the state of transmission lines, ensuring grid reliability and operational awareness.

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Could we have gone further?

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Yes. Based on years of experiences, Ampacimon has built a patented machine learning-based forecasting system empowering Transmission System Operators to move beyond real-time monitoring and into the realm of predictive grid management. While real-time data provides a reliable snapshot of current line conditions, our forecasting technology enables TSOs to anticipate future states of the grid with high accuracy. This forward-looking insight allows operators to take smart, preventive actions at the earliest stage, optimizing line usage, avoiding congestion, and enhancing overall grid resilience. By combining real-time awareness with predictive intelligence, Ampacimon helps TSOs make faster, more informed decisions—well before issues arise.

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