One year ago, Great River Energy started the largest dynamic line rating (DLR) deployment in the United States with
the goal of getting more capacity out of its existing transmission lines. The cooperative partnered with Heimdall Power to install 50 “Neurons” on 10 transmission lines spanning 175 miles.
Now, after 12 months with the DLR sensors at work, Great River Energy has found major capacity gains and projects
$3.175 million in avoided congestion costs over five years.
Heimdall’s sphere-shaped DLR sensors collect real-time information about the line and its environment with the goal of increasing capacity, or the amount of electricity that can flow down the line. They can be easily installed by autonomous drones or line technicians on energized high-voltage power lines to adjust the line’s capabilities to current weather conditions.
“We are laser focused on achieving our mission of providing affordable and reliable electricity to our member-owners,” said Great River Energy Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel. “This technology will help us unlock grid congestion and achieve additional transmission capacity from our existing infrastructure, which our members have already invested in.” Ed. note: The equipment operates on the principle that the capacity of a transmission line changes with environmental conditions, for instance, a line can carry more power at cooler temperatures. Instead of using generic estimates, having real-time information can allow operators to use extra capacity when conditions are right. Read more at https://spectrum.ieee.org/power-line-sensors-smart-grid.

Photos courtesy GRE.