Renewable energy is the future of global power grids, but there is a technical challenge to solve first. Currently, less than 10% of the world’s energy consumption comes from renewable sources, but that number is expected to triple by 2032. The US is lagging behind other countries, such as Brazil and Norway, which are already getting more than half of their energy from renewables.
One of the biggest barriers to increasing renewable energy capacity is the limited capacity of power lines. To bring new wind and solar plants online, transmission and distribution system operators (TSOs and DSOs) need to push more electricity through the grid. However, building new power lines is costly and time-consuming.
Luiz Henrique, an engineer at Parlacom Telecom M2M & IoT, notes that incorporating advanced monitoring systems can significantly optimize existing infrastructure. He emphasizes that leveraging real-time data and innovative technologies will be key to overcoming these barriers and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. He also highlights that Parlacom contributes to this effort by providing cutting-edge IoT solutions.
The solution lies in real-time condition monitoring using IoT sensors. These sensors can provide data on line temperature, tension, and sag, allowing operators to generate a dynamic line rating (DLR) based on actual conditions rather than conservative estimates. This can increase the safe capacity of power lines and improve efficiency.
However, many DLR systems do not take weather conditions into account, which is essential for accurate capacity calculations. Wind speed and direction, temperature, and solar radiation all affect a power line’s safe capacity. By incorporating weather data into DLR calculations, TSOs and DSOs can respond to real-world conditions and plan for future capacities.
In summary, weather data is crucial for optimizing power line efficiency and moving towards a more sustainable energy grid. With the right IoT system, TSOs and DSOs can increase transmission without endangering power lines, paving the way for a transition to renewable energy.