Determining the Transmission Capacity of Existing Transmission Lines Under High Wind Generation Conditions

Abstract

Determining the transmission capacity of existing transmission lines is determine by the conductor current. Transmission line can withstand current below thermal standpoint limit to avoid irreparable damage to conductor. The maximum value of current can be determined with static approach (STR – Static Thermal Rating) and dynamic approach (DTR - Dynamic Thermal Rating). STR is defined by simple calculations and does not change often throughout the year where the DTR is calculated for in time conditions taking into account atmospheric conditions, conductor geometry and conductor current. Most common approach to calculate conductor temperature is done by applying IEEE standard (IEEE 738, 2012) or CIGRE (TB601, 2014). Most congestion in the transmission network occurs during the higher production from wind farms when the wind have significant speed. It is to be expected that similar meteorological conditions (wind speed and direction) will occur on transmission lines in the immediate geographical area of wind power plants.

In this paper, analysis of relations between atmospheric parameters (wind speed and direction, ambient temperature and solar radiation) and ampacity is described as functional dependence. Taking historical weather data from meteorological stations, atmospheric conditions on transmission line corridors and taking account the frequency of occurrence of individual meteorological variations ampacity of conductor will be determined. For such determined conditions that are influenced by a certain parameters variation of ampacity have a different rating scales. The obtained results will provide an insight into the current ampacity and the possibilities of the transmission line capacity during the high engagement of wind power plants.