New technology increases power line capacity

New technology is being rolled out by National Grid to expand capacity on overhead power lines and help connect more renewable power.

Dynamic line rating (DLR) sensors have been installed on circuits between one of the major North-South power system boundaries.

National Grid said the technology, installed in partnership with LineVision, has the potential to save consumers around £20m per year by helping to tackle constraints on one of the leading boundaries for constraint costs on Britain’s transmission network.

The sensors provide continuous data to calculate a rating which can then be used to maximise the amount of power that can safely be transmitted through a transmission line.

The 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.