Bandweaver’s Dynamic Cable Rating (DCR) technology enables Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) to utilise Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system using real-time and historical data comparisons to increase wind farm capacity by 20% and enable cable rating enhancements of 25-35%.
The transition towards low carbon energy solutions has generated significant increases in wind farm connections to the UK electricity grid. Traditional cable circuit rating methodologies, e.g. IEC 60287, do not allow for the inherent variables seen in renewable energy sources. As a result, assets may not be fully utilised1 as the assessments are often too conservative.
Bandweaver has published two case studies (VIEW HERE) following the use of its Dynamic Cable Rating system (also called Real-Time Thermal Rating or RTTR) solution at the Low Carbon Networks Fund project entitled ‘Temperature Monitoring Windfarm Cable Circuits’, carried out by SPEN. During this project they trialled the use of a DTS system to monitor the real-time temperatures. They then calculated the dynamic thermal ratings of three 33kV cable wind farm circuits in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The data collected during the project found possible rating enhancements of around 25-35% above the IEC 60287 rating. The results show that an additional 20% capacity can be unlocked in the existing circuits.