Risk informed design modification of dynamic thermal rating system

Future grids will be operated much closer to their security limits due to the ever increasing power demands and the restrictions on land and space to build more transmission corridors. As one of the many smart grid technologies, the dynamic thermal rating (DTR) system of transmission lines offers the solution to increase line current capacity without infringing the conductor’s maximum operating temperature. Hence, it has emerged as a popular solution for the aforementioned challenges. Owing to that, there is a strong need to assess the integrity of this technology. For this reason, this paper presents a systematic framework for assessing the reliability and the risk of a DTR system. The research was carried out in two parts and is able to optimize the risk and the reliability (cost) of the DTR system. In addition, a weather estimation model is proposed to estimate the weather data when the DTR sensors are not functional. This is contrary to the existing literature which suggests that conservative assumptions be made. The results show that the proposed weather estimation model avoids overestimation of the DTR system risk.