Real-Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) Systems

Abstract

This chapter refers to an experimental work carried out in a laboratory environment simulating the effective conditions that can be found in the real field on fully operational high-voltage transmission circuits. The very precise predictions of the system indicate that real-time thermal monitoring is an excellent method for fully exploiting the potential capability of a cable circuit.

The technology applied is described, and the results of the utilisation of a dynamic rating system or, to use a currently accepted acronym, a real-time thermal rating (RTTR) system are highlighted. Such a system allows to monitor the current thermal state of observed links in real time and to identify trends, dangerous ongoing conditions and to react before the actual thermal limit is reached.

Following the description of the main components and system features, a laboratory application for full-scale testing of an RTTR system is illustrated.

Real-time measurements and theoretical predictions of the on-board mathematical models are compared to demonstrate both the feasibility of such an application and the inherent advantages in terms of both reliability of supply and transmission capability upgrading.

Examples of real field applications on high-voltage (HV) and extra-high-voltage (EHV) systems are highlighted as well.