Existing Component Optimization

Research Initiatives in the Existing Component Optimization research area are aimed at making improvements to the fundamental components of transmission and power delivery.

Common themes are a desire to increase the load-carrying capacity of the existing system by increasing equipment ratings, improving the reliability and life of existing equipment, and enhancing the operational performance of the system.

Real-Time Ratings for Transmission Systems

Use actual system conditions in place of worst-case conditions to increase thermal and stability limits.
The objective of this Initiative is to apply sensing, monitoring and reporting technologies to gather real-time system information. This would allow system operators to get more capacity from the system by basing operating limits on actual conditions, rather than on worst-case assumptions. It would also allow transmission system engineers to re-evaluate the static ratings currently applied to transmission lines, upgrading line ratings where possible.

Benefits:

• Higher capacity from existing lines and equipment: improved asset utilization
• Savings from deferred capital investment in costly new lines and upgrades
• Avoided congestion costs due to constrained transmission corridors
• Increased system reliability that results from better access to resource options in emergencies
• Reduced costs to ratepayers as a result of greater access to remotely located lower cost sources of power

Adopt advanced materials that enhance the durability of existing equipment and systems.
Apply advanced materials technologies to make system components more durable and less susceptible to damage or failure.

Benefits:

• More reliable equipment, resulting in fewer outages and system failures

Develop modular equipment designs/novel configurations to manage failures and enable rapid system restoration under catastrophic circumstances.
Develop new equipment designs and configurations that are easier and faster to repair or replace.

Benefits:

• Faster restoration of power in the event of failure

Apply storage technologies to enhance transmission capabilities.
Increase transmission capability by applying storage technology.

Benefits:

• Improves power quality on the transmission system
• Reduces strain on the system at times of peak demand
• Contributes to system stabilization during dynamic operational events

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