Xcel Energy Teams with LineVision to Explore New Tech for Overhead Line Monitoring and Dynamic Line Ratings
Xcel teams with LineVision, ORNL to explore new tech for overhead line monitoring plus DLR
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2.25.2021
LineVision, provider of non-contact overhead line sensor solutions, said this week that it has been hired by Xcel to deploy its technology across transmission lines in parts of its service territory. This project is a collaboration between Xcel Energy, LineVision, and Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) and the data collected will be analyzed as part of a study on advanced line ratings.
LineVision’s installations for Xcel Energy will include several locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. They include a long river crossing, aged assets and areas of potential wildfire risk. The deployment will utilize all three LineVision analytical modules: LineHealth, which evaluates the current condition of conductors, helping Xcel Energy determine when and what types of maintenance are required; LineRate, which can increase conductor capacity with Forecasted Line Ratings and Real-Time Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR); and LineAware technology will provide real-time situational awareness, triggering real-time alerts to support corrective actions that protect system reliability and public safety.
LineVision’s sensors collect real-time data on critical parameters of overhead power lines including line temperature, sag, horizontal motion, and anomalous motion. The data is collected utilizing Velodyne’s LiDAR sensor system which allows installation without having to de-power a transmission line. According to several studies, congestion on power lines contributes to $8 billion in losses annually across the nation’s electric grid. DLR could help unlock additional capacity on Xcel Energy’s transmission lines allowing more renewable energy sources to be added to the grid, helping the utility meet its goal of providing 100% carbon-free electricity to its customers by 2050.
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“Xcel Energy is excited to be a leader in testing the benefits of dynamic line ratings. These pilot projects will help the company and our industry assess their value as we pursue our vision to deliver 100% carbon free electricity to our customers by 2050,” said Michael Lamb, senior vice president of Transmission at Xcel Energy.
“We are rapidly moving to a renewable-powered future, utilities are facing the challenge of maintaining system reliability while integrating record levels of renewables and with increasingly severe weather events,” said Hudson Gilmer, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of LineVision. “Xcel Energy is at the forefront of innovative thinking on how to solve these issues and we are delighted to work with them.”
