Frequently
Asked Questions
Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) set a transmission line’s loading limit based on monitored conditions rather than a fixed limit. Static transmission line ratings are based on the heat-tolerance of the equipment and conservative assumptions about the impact of ambient conditions on the lines. DLR monitors those ambient conditions that may cool the line to safely carry more current and calculates the true capacity of transmission lines. DLR generally allows more flow over the course of a year, especially in windy regions where transmission capacity is critical for wind power development. Still, DLR also detects when it is safe to continue reliable flow operation in extreme heat or other conditions.
DLR devices are installed on transmission towers or transmission lines to take in situ measurements of environmental conditions and the line itself. The temperature measurement of wind speed and other factors are used to calculate the true capacity of the line. The system operator uses this information to calculate congestion charges and route power.
Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) are technologies to accelerate the clean energy transition and lower energy costs.
Technologies include:
- Dynamic Line Ratings determine the true, real-time capacity of power lines.
- Advanced Power Flow Control allows operators to reroute power to lines with available capacity.
- Topology Optimization identifies the best grid reconfigurations to reroute flow around bottlenecks.
In operations, GETs reduce congestion costs and improve economic dispatch, situational awareness, and reliability.
In planning, they reduce the time, cost, and complexity of integrating new generation and load. Learn about unlocking more value from the grid at watt-transmission.org.
WindSim Power Line only requires the installation of weather stations. The number and locations of weather stations depend on the circuit length of the transmission lines and the complexity of the terrain. On average, the distance between weather stations is about 5 to 10 miles. The number and locations of weather stations are determined as an initial phase before the detailed implementation and deployment of the WindSim Power Line solution. WindSim Power helps to determine the weather locations by running an initial assessment using historical climatologies.
In additional to the environmental data, WindSim Power Line is configured using the GIS and physical information of the transmission lines, including the conductor type, line geometries, spectral properties, operating temperature limits, etc.
The resulting operational data feeds are accessible through the SaaS web interface. The interface allows users to view data associated with WPL, including forecasted gridded and time series meteorological data, dynamic line ratings, and ambient adjusted rated ratings.
