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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Concurrent Cooling Effects of Dynamic Line Ratings on Wind Plant Gen-Tie Lines

This report was prepared for the Wind Energy Technology Office for the FY 2022, quarter 2 deliverable. This details the use of dynamic line rating technology to rate a series of gen tie lines connecting wind plants to the regional transmission lines. This consists of two primary study regions, the first on the desert west of Idaho Falls, and the second in the region east of the Cascades along the Columbia River Gorge. The TREAD program that was developed at INL was used to create generated gen-tie lines based on nearby regional transmission line connections. The capacity availability of the gen tie lines are compared with the power production of the wind farms. Overall, the INL Site location shows a much greater capacity for the gen-tie lines due to the higher wind speeds. Across both locations, the HRRR data shows higher wind speeds than observed at the observational weather stations. For both the Columbia Gorge and Idaho areas, the sites show that a statically rate gen-tie could carry additional capacity far above the rated during periods of high wind due to the concurrent cooling effects.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Using Dynamic Line Rating to Enhance Flexibility of Wind-involved Hybrid Energy System

By providing real-time overhead line ampacity, Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) is a potential technique to solve the transmission congestion issues that are threatening NPPs, especially when a nuclear plant is coupled with wind turbine generators. First, DLR can utilize the concurrent cooling effect and dynamic monitors on transmission lines to increase the line carry capacity and reduce congestion. Second, more frequent interactions between transmission lines and operators can increase the flexibility and create a more dynamic and responsive hybrid system. In general, DLR can increase the flexibility and optimize the efficiency of a hybrid system utilizing wind energy. DLR helps meet continuously fluctuating electricity demands with real-time observation of transmission lines for more accurate estimation of line carry capacity. For the fuel energy, DLR can contribute greatly in saving fuels and reducing carbon emission by providing timely information for adjusting generation levels. For HES's including NPPs, transmission congestion could be more serious and needs attention. Therefore, by providing additional transmission capacity, DLR can contribute to alleviate the congestion and congestion pricing impact that is threatening the current NPPs and prevent potential congestion that may constrain the operation of future hybrid system involved with a nuclear plant. However, either a fuel plant or nuclear plant is better coupled with a wind turbine to take advantage of the concurrent cooling effect and dynamic monitoring. The research team at Idaho National Laboratory, currently focused on the benefit of DLR technology to assist wind generation, is now exploring the feasibility of implementing the same technology into such HES and NPP. Future work will focus on the analysis of technique feasibility, challenges and benefit-cost analysis of integrating DLR into HES. Detailed studies are anticipated to evaluate the benefits of DLR on HES and NPP with transmission constraints. This paper explores a potential utilization of DLR in hybrid energy systems, especially those involving traditional fossil fuels or nuclear power coupled with wind energy. The goal is to increase the efficiency and flexibility of these types of hybrid systems in order to provide more secure, reliable and low-carbon energy.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integration of New Technology Considering the Trade-Offs Between Operational Benefits and Risks: A Case Study of Dynamic Line Rating

Electric grid operators are adept at handling complexity and uncertainty. However, with increasing introduction of renewable generation, distributed energy resources, and more frequent severe weather events, operators will experience new workload and challenging decision scenarios. Here, this paper quantifies risks and benefits from an operator's perspective of introducing weather based forecast Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) using variable wind conditions in addition to ambient temperature to relieve transmission congestion and facilitating more offshore wind (OSW). A concept of operations (CONOPS) applied to a forecast DLR implementation and its integration with OSW is defined. A method for evaluating tradeoffs of derating to make the rating more conservative but decreasing the benefit was developed and applied to a case study for two existing overhead transmission lines on Long Island, New York. The CONOPS uses historical day-ahead and hour-ahead High Resolution Rapid Refresh weather forecasts and weather station data to support planning and real-time operations. The analysis determines the risk of downgrades in real-time operational rating compared to the forecast and quantifies the frequency and severity of last-minute downgrades. The risk is compared against the benefits in increased capacity to provide insights on the additional amount of uncertainty DLR and OSW will add to the operator's workload.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Improvement of Transmission Line Ampacity Utilization by Weather-Based Dynamic Line Rating

Most of the existing overhead transmission lines (TLs) are assigned a static rating by considering the conservative environmental conditions (e.g., high ambient temperature and low wind speed). Such a conservative approach often results in underutilization of line ampacity because the worst conditions prevail only for a short period of time during the year. Dynamic line rating (DLR) utilizes local meteorological conditions and grid loadings to adaptively compute additional line ampacity headroom that may be available due to favorable local environmental conditions. This paper details Idaho National Laboratory-developed weather-based DLR, which utilizes a state-of-the-art general line ampacity state solver for real-time computation of thermal ratings of TLs. Performance of the proposed DLR solution is demonstrated in existing TL segments at AltaLink, Canada, and the potential benefits of the proposed DLR for enhanced transmission ampacity utilization are quantified. Moreover, we investigated a hypothetical case for emulating the impact of an additional wind plant near the test grid. Furthermore, the results for the given system and data configurations demonstrated that real-time ratings were above the seasonal static ratings for at least 76.6% of the time, with a mean increase of 22% over the static rating, thereby demonstrating huge potential for improvement on ampacity utilization.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Operational and Strategic Implementation of Dynamic Line Rating for Optimized Wind Energy Generation Integration

One primary goal of rendering today’s transmission grid “smarter” is to optimize and better manage its power transfer capacity in real time. Power transfer capacity is affected by three main elements: stability, voltage limits, and thermal ratings. All three are critical, but thermal ratings represent the greatest opportunity to quickly, reliably and economically utilize the grid’s true capacity. With the “Smarter Grid”, new solutions have been sought to give operators a better grasp on real time conditions, allowing them to manage and extend the usefulness of existing transmission infrastructure in a safe and reliable manner. The objective of the INL Wind Program is to provide industry a Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) solution that is state of the art as measured by cost, accuracy and dependability, to enable human operators to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions without human or system overloading and impacting the reliability of the grid. In addition to mitigating transmission line congestion to better integrate wind, DLR also offers the opportunity to improve the grid with optimized utilization of transmission lines to relieve congestion in general. As wind-generated energy has become a bigger part of the nation’s energy portfolio, researchers have learned that wind not only turns turbine blades to generate electricity, but can cool transmission lines and increase transfer capabilities significantly, sometimes up to 60 percent. INL’s DLR development supports EERE and The Wind Energy Technology Office’s goals by informing system planners and grid operators of available transmission capacity, beyond typical Static Line Ratings (SLR). SLRs are based on a fixed set of conservative environmental conditions to establish a limit on the amount of current lines can safely carry without overheating. Using commercially available weather monitors mounted on industry informed custom brackets developed by INL in combination with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) enhanced weather analysis and DLR software, INL’s project offers the potential of safely providing line ampacities up to 40 percent or more above existing SLRs, by using real time information rather than overly conservative SLR.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic Line Rating Models and Their Potential for a Cost‐Effective Transition to Carbon‐Neutral Power Systems

Most transmission system operators (TSOs) currently use seasonally steady-state models considering limiting weather conditions that serve as reference to compute the transmission capacity of overhead power lines. The use of dynamic line rating (DLR) models can avoid the construction of new lines, market splitting, false congestions, and the degradation of lines in a cost-effective way. DLR can also be used in the long run in grid extension and new power capacity planning. In the short run, it should be used to help operate power systems with congested lines. The operation of the power systems is planned to have the market trading into account; thus, it computes transactions hours ahead of real-time operation, using power flow forecasts affected by large errors. In the near future, within a “smart grid” environment, in real-time operation conditions, TSOs should be able to rapidly compute the capacity rating of overhead lines using DLR models and the most reliable weather information, forecasts, and line measurements, avoiding the current steady-state approach that, in many circumstances, assumes ampacities above the thermal limits of the lines. Here, this work presents a review of the line rating methodologies in several European countries and the United States. Furthermore, it presents the results of pilot projects and studies considering the application of DLR in overhead power lines, obtaining significant reductions in the congestion of internal networks and cross-border transmission lines.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluating a Commercial Dynamic Line Rating Software with the National PMU Dataset

To accelerate the development of data-driven applications for power systems, the Department of Energy (DOE) supported the collection and curation of a synchrophasor dataset spanning two years of observations from transmission utilities across the US. This National PMU Dataset (NPDS) was anonymized and distributed to awardees of a DOE research grant under nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) but has also been retained at PNNL to enable further research. Agreements with data contributors prevent the data from being shared outside the organization. However, establishing a blind research validation methodology is envisioned to maximize the value proposition of the NPDS. In this validation strategy, researchers may share algorithms/software (potentially as executables to protect intellectual property) with PNNL, and PNNL will share feedback about the software’s performance on subsets of the NPDS. Such a blind methodology ensures that sensitive information about critical infrastructure remains protected, but the value of the NPDS can be extended to research beyond PNNL. Through iterative feedback, the algorithms may be tweaked to address real-world artifacts. As the NPDS data is temporally and geographically diverse, it may capture features absent in smaller datasets used during the development of the algorithm under test. This report presents lessons learned from applying the blind validation methodology to LineID™, a synchrophasor-based dynamic line rating software developed by Topolonet Corporation. Improvements made to the software through iterative feedback, limitations of the validation methodology, as well as how the limitations of the NPDS affected the evaluation process are discussed. Observations indicate that the proposed validation methodology can be valuable for evaluating other tools in the future.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2014

INVESTIGATION OF A DYNAMIC POWER LINE RATING CONCEPT FOR IMPROVED WIND ENERGY INTEGRATION OVER COMPLEX TERRAIN

Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) is a smart grid technology that allows the rating of power line to be based on real-time conductor temperature dependent on local weather conditions. In current practice overhead power lines are generally given a conservative rating based on worst case weather conditions. Using historical weather data collected over a test bed area, we demonstrate there is often additional transmission capacity not being utilized with the current static rating practice. We investigate a new dynamic line rating methodology using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to determine wind conditions along transmission lines at dense intervals. Simulated results are used to determine conductor temperature by calculating the transient thermal response of the conductor under variable environmental conditions. In calculating the conductor temperature, we use both a calculation with steady-state assumption and a transient calculation. Under low wind conditions, steady-state assumption predicts higher conductor temperatures that could lead to curtailments, whereas transient calculations produce conductor temperatures that are significantly lower, implying the availability of additional transmission capacity.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced Transmission Technologies – GETs and HPCs Session 2: Advanced Power Flow Control and Transmission Topology Optimization

The INL TADA GETs Cohort Session 2, held on November 7, 2025, conducted in collaboration with ScottMadden, focused on two core Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs): Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC) and Transmission Topology Optimization (TTO). These technologies are pivotal in enhancing grid flexibility, reliability, and cybersecurity resilience. APFC, particularly through modular FACTS devices like Modular Static Synchronous Series Compensators (M-SSSCs), enables dynamic voltage injection to reroute power flows. The session highlighted the deployment benefits of APFC, such as rapid installation, minimal civil works, and re-deployability. Regulatory drivers like FERC Order 2023 mandate the inclusion of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) in interconnection studies. Case studies from Central Hudson, CAISO, and National Grid (UK) demonstrated APFC’s effectiveness in congestion relief and cost savings. The session also addressed cybersecurity concerns, including firmware vulnerabilities, SCADA integration risks, and supply chain dependencies. Participants engaged in interactive exercises to rank cybersecurity and supply chain risks, emphasizing the need for robust digital assurance strategies. TTO involves software-based reconfiguration of transmission networks to optimize power flow without new infrastructure. The session showcased its operational value, with examples from SPP, PJM, and MISO showing significant congestion cost reductions. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities were discussed, particularly in API security and software supply chains, referencing incidents like SolarWinds and attacks on Danish utilities. Digital assurance exercises explored worst-case scenarios, attack paths, and mitigation responsibilities between vendors and utilities. Reliability challenges such as algorithm stability, vendor dependency, and operator trust were also examined. Cross-cutting themes emphasized the importance of digital assurance tools, including Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) and hardware-in-loop testing. Human performance, training, and operational confidence were identified as critical enablers of technology adoption. The session concluded with a preview of Session 3, which will focus on High Performance Conductors (HPCs) and risk-based cybersecurity tools. Session 2 of 3.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2015

Impact of Measurement Error on Synchrophasor Applications

Phasor measurement units (PMUs), a type of synchrophasor, are powerful diagnostic tools that can help avert catastrophic failures in the power grid. Because of this, PMU measurement errors are particularly worrisome. This report examines the internal and external factors contributing to PMU phase angle and frequency measurement errors and gives a reasonable explanation for them. It also analyzes the impact of those measurement errors on several synchrophasor applications: event location detection, oscillation detection, islanding detection, and dynamic line rating. The primary finding is that dynamic line rating is more likely to be influenced by measurement error. Other findings include the possibility of reporting nonoscillatory activity as an oscillation as the result of error, failing to detect oscillations submerged by error, and the unlikely impact of error on event location and islanding detection.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Real Time and Forecasted DLR: Use Cases

This document contains two use cases for the utilization of dynamic line ratings in operational practices. These use cases were developed in support of the Transmission Optimization and Grid Enhancing Technology (TOGETS) task force aimed at facilitating the deployment of dynamic line rating and power flow technologies across the United States. The project included a demonstration of the technology on the Idaho National Laboratory system. The procurement documents, tests scripts, and field-validated results from multiple vendors will be published to improve industry’s familiarity with the products. Because of the urgency in performing this work and INL’s unique test setup, the Task Force identified a need for additional public information on the information exchanges required for operationalizing DLR (i.e. integrating DLR’s within actual system operations). As such, this use case document and an accompanying interoperability profile have been developed with input from the Task Force and various vendors whose systems would ultimately support the functionality described. The use case and interoperability profile support two distinct functionalities with different purposes.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Variable Transmission Line Ratings

This paper outlines the concept of variable-transmission facility ratings. This topic is of heightened importance following the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 881 which requires the implementation of ambient adjusted ratings (AARs) for FERC jurisdictional portions of the transmission system. Additionally, FERC issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR) implying a future order on Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) requirements. The various types of facility-rating methodologies will be discussed with a focus on how they can benefit the stability, capacity, and reliability of the grid.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced Transmission Technologies –GETs and HPCs Session 3: HPCs and Building Actions Plans to Digital Assurance Risks

The third session of the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Technical Assistance for Digital Assurance (TADA) program, held on November 11, 2025, centered on High Performance Conductors (HPCs) and the formulation of action plans to address digital assurance risks associated with Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs). This session convened experts from utilities, vendors, and government agencies to examine the technical, operational, and cybersecurity aspects of HPC deployment. Discussions highlighted the benefits of HPCs, such as their ability to rapidly increase transmission capacity using existing corridors, improve grid resilience, reduce system losses, and align with FERC Orders 2023 and 1920. Participants evaluated supply chain and digital assurance risks, including reliance on imported materials, limited domestic manufacturing capacity, workforce shortages, and traceability issues. The session also emphasized the importance of digital trust, integration-layer cybersecurity, and unified risk frameworks, introducing tools like intrusion detection systems, encryption, zero trust networking, and firmware integrity. Recaps of earlier workshops on Dynamic Line Ratings (DLRs), Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC), and Transmission Topology Optimization (TTO) underscored institutional barriers and integration challenges. Action plans were proposed to mitigate issues such as inconsistent cybersecurity practices, SBOM usage, supply chain visibility, operator trust, and misaligned incentives. Additionally, INL presented its supply chain risk management tools and Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to support secure procurement and system design. The session concluded with a commitment to share key takeaways, incorporate cohort feedback into future policy development, and continue collaborative engagement through upcoming pilot activities. Session 3 of 3.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) Supplier Cohort Workshops Cohort Summary [Slides]

This Summary slide deck summarizes the key outcomes of the Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) supplier cohort, part of Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Technical Assistance for Digital Assurance (TADA) program. The program aimed to strengthen grid resilience through cybersecurity controls, supply-chain security, and Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) for advanced transmission technologies. The cohort brought together vendors representing the full range of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs), including providers of Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR), Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC), Transmission Topology Optimization (TTO), and High-Performance Conductors (HPCs). Discussions focused on institutional, integration, and operational barriers limiting GET adoption; cybersecurity risks at EMS/SCADA, cloud, and network integration points; and supply-chain transparency issues such as semiconductor dependence and SBOM/HBOM expectations. Participants also addressed operator trust, human-in-the-loop requirements, and challenges with utility adoption, while exploring how CIE can support secure deployment of GETs. This deck represents a consolidated summary of challenges and risks identified by vendors, cross-cutting themes and technology-specific insights from three cohort workshops, and actionable mitigations to guide utilities, vendors, and the Department of Energy in advancing secure, trusted deployment of GETs.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Thermal Constraint Violations as a Result of Ambient Adjusted Transmission Line Ratings

Ambient Adjusted Ratings allow transmission line current ratings to be increased above static ratings while requiring minimal weather monitoring. However, Ambient Adjusted Ratings are still contingent on static parameters that may not match real world conditions. This poster examines how simulation methods can estimate the extent to which using Ambient Adjusted Ratings could result in the violation of a transmission line's thermal constraints.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗