Project key facts
Objective: solve congestion issues on 3 historically congested lines
Line voltage (kV): 230
Km of equipped lines: 186
Number of sensors: 75
Project overview
As line sensors collect information from the grid (transmission state, line sag, conductor temperatures, wind speed, etc.), data is delivered to a central analytics server via cellular.
These real-time ratings are then incorporated into PPL Electric’s central operations system and used as a critical source of information. At the heart of PPL Electric’s use of DLR technology is a custom-built tool that determines real-time and predictive conditions.
Captured data provides a holistic view of transmission line performance and enables the team to make real-time adjustments to increase the amount of electricity delivered over transmission lines, decrease congestion, or implement optimization strategies to improve reliability.
Since the system was launched, PPL Electric has sent DLR forecasts to its regional transmission organization, which uses the ratings in day-ahead analysis and power requirement predictions.
Besides, PPL created a new tool that compares real-time ratings from the sensors against a static ambient adjusted ratings table, giving operators a backup source of information.
Project results
- Optimized performances: up to 16% capacity gain
- Better informed decisions: $50 million rebuild cost avoided
- Solved congestion costs: > $23 million saved on congestion costs just for one line
- Kept rates low for customers
"Having real-time measurements allows PPL Electric to optimize performance on transmission lines and make better-informed decisions about the need for improvements to those lines. It allows us to get the most out of existing lines and replace others at the right time. In the end, it avoids costly investments, helping to keep our rates affordable for our customers." - Joe Lookup, VP of Transmission and Distribution Planning and Asset Management at PPL Electric
