System for ampacity monitoring and low sag overhead conductor evaluation

Abstract

Among the different alternatives to achieve the uprating and better use of existing overhead power lines are the use of high temperature low sag conductors and the use of real time monitoring systems for knowing the ampacity of the lines. So far, the uprating of a power line through both alternatives have been considered separately. However, it is possible to combine both solutions and obtain greater benefit in terms of achievable uprating, and a better control of the reliability of the conductor. This paper presents a system for monitoring the ampacity and for the evaluation of the low sag behavior of the overhead power lines. This system allows knowing the power flow of the lines in order to optimize their use and evaluating the conductor monitored in order to validate their behavior in operating condition.