Overhead Line Wind Detection Using Sag and Electrical Variables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weather forecast models lack sufficient observational data, particularly for wind properties, which are crucial for accurate power predictions and grid operation, especially in regions with unevenly distributed measurement stations.
Innovation Solution
Utilize sensors installed on overhead power lines to detect non-electrical and electrical conditions, such as sag and temperature, to infer wind properties like speed and turbulence intensity, by correlating these conditions with electrical variables like current and voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weather stations and measurement masts are used to measure wind properties, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead line performs dual function: it serves as both an electrical conductor and a wind measurement sensor. The line's natural physical response (sag changes due to thermal expansion and aerodynamic heating) to wind conditions allows it to self-report wind properties without requiring additional measurement equipment, thus eliminating the need for separate weather stations and measurement masts
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead line is transformed into a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs its primary electrical transmission function and serves as a wind measurement device. By monitoring the line's sag and temperature, the system extracts wind speed and turbulence information, making the infrastructure serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for dedicated measurement equipment
2Loss of information
If measurement stations are densely distributed to improve wind data coverage, then wind property detection accuracy is improved, but loss of time and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Existing overhead lines, which already provide widespread geographical coverage for electrical power transmission, are utilized as measurement devices. This eliminates the need to build new measurement stations and provides immediate wind data coverage across the entire grid infrastructure, achieving comprehensive spatial coverage without additional installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead line network, already in place and operational, automatically provides wind measurement capabilities throughout the region. The existing infrastructure serves itself by providing both electrical service and meteorological data service, eliminating the need for separate measurement station deployment and achieving immediate comprehensive coverage
3Measurement precision
If conventional weather forecast models are used without local observational data, then model simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and forecast accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead line automatically provides wind measurement data through its natural physical response to wind conditions. The line's sag and temperature changes, caused by aerodynamic heating and thermal expansion, serve as direct indicators of wind speed and turbulence, providing continuous local observational data without requiring complex measurement equipment or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead line acts as an intermediary between the wind field and the weather forecast model. By monitoring the line's physical state (sag, temperature), the system indirectly measures wind properties and transfers this information to the forecast model, providing the model with accurate local observational data without direct wind measurement equipment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables global and high-frequency wind speed measurements, improving weather models and forecasts, optimizing wind farm operations, and enhancing grid reliability through precise wind data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The length of the overhead line depends on its temperature. Depending on the material, the overhead line expands depending on its temperature, so it usually gets longer as the temperature rises.
Implementation Method 2
The temperature depends on the energy input, particularly from the current through the cable, and the energy output, particularly from cooling by the wind.
Implementation Method 3
Cooling by the wind... Cooling can be influenced by rain, humidity, air density, and air temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting at least one wind property on an overhead line (1). The method for detecting at least one wind property uses at least one overhead line (1), in particular a high-voltage line, for detecting the property. The method comprises the following steps: detecting at least one non-electrical state of the overhead line (1), detecting at least one electrical variable of the overhead line (1), and determining a wind property as a function of the at least one state of the overhead line (1) and the at least one electrical variable.