On the roadmap to supergrid in Sicily: LiDAR technology and HTLS conductors for uprating the 150 kV lines

Abstract

Difficulties in building new power lines in Italy because of authorization problems, and the production of electricity from renewable sources growing more and more, induces Terna S.p.A. (Italian TSO) to take advantage of existing overhead transmission lines. In order to increase the transmission capacity, Terna has used a software in GIS (Geographic Information System) environment which allows for the management of the interferences according to all the legislative bonds by referring to the LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) remote sensing technology. This paper, after a description of the GIS and the LiDAR technology, shows how the calculation of the current capacity of some High Voltage power lines in Sicily is carried out by using the conductor thermal model. Relevant results concerning a general study of the characteristics of electrical conductors with high temperature performance and low sag are presented and these studies are applied to three overhead transmission lines.

Methodologies for the Exploitation of Existing Energy Corridors. GIS Analysis and DTR Applications

“…GIS-LIDAR scans the territory, overflown by an airplane, thanks to the use of a laser range finder that calculates the distance between the point where the laser is emitted, i.e., the rangefinder, and the point at which this is reflected, corresponding to a general point of the measured surface that was hit by the laser (Figure 6) [4]. An electric pulse generator creates a beam of light at the infrared frequency; the reflected signal is subsequently detected by a photodiode receiver which produces an electrical signal.…”

“…The survey therefore allows to know the three spatial coordinates for each measurement performed. It is also essential to know the position and balance of the aircraft at any time to accurately calculate the coordinates of the object points of remote sensing [4]. Some instruments measure, in addition to the flight time, the intensity of the return signal.…”

“…The position of the power line, intended as a metallic conductor, can be modeled by the LIDAR points detected by the sensors (Figure 7) [4]. …”

“…The position of the power line, intended as a metallic conductor, can be modeled by the LIDAR points detected by the sensors (Figure 7) [4]. This tool allows to obtain many useful elements for the Transmission System Operator: it allows the knowledge of the layout of the detected line, the dimensions of the conductors, the length of the line, the number, type and position of the supports, etc.…”

“…Stringent environmental constraints and an increase in the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) are causing increasing problems for the Transmission System Operators (TSOs) [1][2][3][4]; Terna S.p.A. (Italian TSO), for some years, has been forced to exploit existing energy corridors [5][6][7][8][9][10]. The use of Dynamic Thermal Rating (DTR) or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging-Geographic Information System (L-GIS) systems represents two of the solutions adoptable for solving the problem.…”