The main objective of the SMS-OHTL project is to provide the TSO and DSO (Transmission/Distribution of power System Operators) a reliable solution for the real time monitoring of the ampacity (the instantaneous current carrying capacity of an overhead power transmission line). This will allow the dynamic line rating (DLR) of the transmission network that will increase its efficient use and mitigate transmission congestion, leading to important increases of the load capacity with respect to static seasonal ratings and an overall improvement of the management of the transmission and distribution network.
THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY is based on the current need to use more intensively the power transmission system infrastructure. Europe's grid networks aim to become a single internal energy market and increase energy transmission by 40% by 2020. Power transmission lines are essential to deliver electricity to consumers but they are constrained by its capacity. With the installation of new renewable generation and increased loads, transmission infrastructure has experienced unforeseen demand, which have resulted in congestion. For the TSOs, construction of new transmission lines is not a simple procedure, as a result of strictly environmental regulations. For that reason, it is of utmost importance to optimize electric power transmission system assets by condition monitoring and dynamic line rating.
RELOGABLE, a company based on technology, innovation and global reach, has developed an innovative sensor that determines in real-time the length of the line and calculate its temperature and ampacity. We offer a compact, cost-effective, remote, autonomous and easy-to-scale system that determines the average temperature on the conductor by measuring the length of the span, providing the transmission capacity of overhead lines at all times and reporting any existing defects in the grid, allowing a potential increase of 20-25% of the load capacity and an overall improvement of the management of the distribution grid.
RELOGABLE aims at becoming a worldwide leader provider of systems to monitor the ampacity and other parameters on the overhead power lines, delivering the promised benefits of the smart grid – stability, seamless interconnectivity and real-time information for grid operators and customers.
The aim of the current feasibility study is to demonstrate the value and validity of the project, based upon a practical and comprehensive overall view of the proposed SMS-OHTL solution integrated into the high-voltage European Transmission Systems. In this respect, RELOGABLE has undertaken this study to assess the 3 main aspects: commercial assessment, technical assessment and financial feasibility assessment. With that in mind we have evaluated the inclusion of key stakeholders (TSOs from different European countries) for pilot testing of the monitoring solution in field environments demonstrating the maturity, the performance and great potential benefits of this technology. The main focus is to facilitate in this way commercialization routes for our SMS-OHTL solution.
