Powerlink has embarked on a trial with the Bureau of Meteorology to use ground-based and line-based weather sensors to improve network capacity.
Powerlink is one of the first network operators now gathering real-time local weather data to gain more accurate insights into the operating temperatures of its electricity transmission lines.
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Regional Queensland is also set to benefit from more accurate weather information, with the state-of-the-art equipment measuring temperature, wind speed and direction, and humidity, and feeding the data directly back to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser said up to 40% more electricity could be moved through transmission line sections where this data is captured in real time, thereby reducing or deferring the need for new transmission infrastructure.
“Powerlink currently has around 28 of its core transmission routes thermally constrained, so knowing the temperature of the line in real time can unlock additional capacity when it matters,” he said.
“Even the smallest wind speeds across a line could increase capacity by up to 40%. By having access to this real time data, our network controllers will be able to manage the flows of electricity in a safer and more efficient way.
“This is an innovative trial driving value for Queenslanders.”
Data from the weather stations will also be utilised by the Bureau of Meteorology to improve weather services and keep regional Queenslanders better informed.
Bureau of Meteorology CEO Dr Andrew Johnson said data from ground-based weather stations along the Powerlink network will be incorporated into the Bureau’s observations network which underpins the production of forecasts and warnings.
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“The Bureau is extremely proud of our ongoing collaborative relationship with Powerlink as they continue to look at new ways of making the electricity transmission network even more efficient and effective,” he said.
Both ground-based and line-based weather stations will be placed along transmission lines in Central Queensland early next year, with the trial expected to run for 12 months.
