AES demonstrates dynamic line rating in Indiana and Ohio

US energy company AES is demonstrating the largest dynamic line ratings deployment on its transmission towers in Indiana and Ohio.

The deployment by grid technology company LineVision includes 42 LUX non-contact sensors and forms part of a joint project to assess how grid-enhancing technologies may increase the transmission capacity on the existing power grid.

Dynamic line ratings are calculated using real-time field measurements and conductor position to determine the maximum carrying capacity of the transmission line, enabling it to be continuously optimised and to support the integration of growing renewables capacity to the grid.

The data that is gathered from the project at the end of 2023 is expected to help understand the grid better and identify opportunities to enhance grid efficiency, reliability and sustainability across the country.

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“There are several exciting technologies that can be used to enhance the capacity of our grid,” said Kristina Lund, President of AES Utilities, at the project launch.

“AES looks to lead the industry in deploying advanced technologies, like dynamic line rating, that allow us to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers as the demands for increasingly green energy and electrified communities grow.”

Unlike line-mounted sensors that pose safety risks for field crews and require potentially costly installation, the LUX sensors mount securely to lattice towers and monopoles with installation in just 14 minutes.

Upcoming grid-enhancing technology deployments

With the need to approximately double the length of the grid to deliver net zero, dynamic line rating and other grid-enhancing technologies will be key to enabling this to be undertaken optimally.

Reflecting the growing importance of these technologies, four out of the 58 projects awarded funding in the grid reliability GRIP programme are focussed on dynamic line ratings and advanced power flow control.

Dominion Energy Virginia is deploying a major dynamic line ratings project to allow operators to more effectively manage some of the growing transmission capacity constraints in PJM’s service territory.

Duquesne Light Company’s Grid Visibility Programme is planned to deploy grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) that will increase system capacity and unlock additional clean energy generation.

EPRI and Vermont Electric Power Company are to install advanced power flow control in the form of modular static synchronous series compensators at interregional tie lines to increase the transfer capacity across regional borders systematically.

Algonquin Power Fund America plans to deploy the SmartValve advanced power flow control technology to increase the transmission transfer capacity of the existing grid, resolve stability issues, mitigate the risk of climate impacts and be replicable at other locations with similar stability limitations in the US.