RTTR

Renewable generation is often located in rural locations where there is little spare capacity of the distribution networks. This project aims to unlock extra capacity in the networks thus reducing reinforcement requirements and connection costs for wind generators. The scope of this project is to implement a dynamic real-time thermal rating (RTTR) system for overhead lines that gives the control room operators greater visibility of the actual thermal operating status of their network. The objective is to deliver the first active distribution network based implementation of this technology across a wide area of the network. The implementation will involve the installation of meteorological stations and monitoring equipment, the data from which will be processed to display real-time thermal ratings and conductor operating temperatures on a graphical user interface within the distribution network control room. Through open-loop analysis of the RTTR system, and confidence-building in the technology adoption, the system will then feed into an ‘Active Network Management’ project, which will facilitate and manage the connection of the wind farms on congested networks.