Real Time Thermal Rating (RTTR)
Bandweaver’s RTTR is a key component of a utility operator’s intelligent condition monitoring systems. This system helps you to reduce risk, to implement smart maintenance programs and to increase the efficiency of your load management system.
Based on the thermal analysis defined by IEC-60287 and IEC-60853 and combined with Distributed Temperature Sensors (DTS) the Bandweaver RTTR can be used in many applications.
FEATURES
Real-Time Thermal Profiling
Continuous monitoring of underground, subsea, and overhead power cables using Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS).
Dynamic Cable Rating (DCR)
Calculates safe operating capacity in real time, enabling operators to maximise load without exceeding thermal limits.
High Spatial Resolution
Pinpoints hotspots and thermal anomalies along the entire length of the cable to within ±1m accuracy.
Environmental Algorithm
Incorporates ambient temperature, solar radiation and soil conditions to refine load capacity calculations.
Predictive Modelling
Provides short-term and long-term forecasts of cable performance based on load scenarios and environmental inputs.
Early Fault Detection
Identifies localised overheating at joints, terminations, or damaged sections before failures occur.
Flexible Integration
Interfaces seamlessly with SCADA, EMS, and utility control systems via Modbus, TCP/IP, and IEC protocols.
Scalable Architecture
Supports single circuits, complex multi-circuit networks, and nationwide deployments.
Visualisation with MaxView
Real-time thermal maps, alarm notifications, and actionable insights via Bandweaver’s MaxView software platform.
BENEFITS
Based on the thermal analysis defined by IEC-60287 and IEC-60853 and combined with Bandweaver’s Distributed Temperature Sensors (DTS), our RTTR provides the following benefits:
Maximise Asset Utilisation
Safely increase cable load during favourable conditions without exceeding thermal limits.
Avoid Costly Upgrades
Postpone or reduce the need for new cable installations by optimising existing infrastructure.
Early Fault Detection
Identify hotspots at joints, terminations, or damaged sections before they cause failures.
Improve Network Reliability
Prevent unexpected outages by continuously monitoring cable health and environmental impacts.
Support Smarter Grid Operations
Integrates with SCADA/EMS to provide real-time data for dynamic load management.
Extend Cable Lifespan
Reduce thermal stress and degradation, ensuring longer service life and lower maintenance costs.
APPLICATIONS
Power Transmission & Distribution
High-Voltage Underground Cables – Safely increase load during peak demand.
Subsea Export Cables – Continuous performance monitoring for offshore wind farms and interconnectors.
Renewable Energy Integration
Offshore Wind Farms – Maximise export cable utilisation while preventing thermal overload.
Solar Farms – Optimise underground collection and export cable capacity during high generation periods.
Urban Networks & Smart Grids
City Distribution Networks – Manage growing demand without immediate reinforcement.
Smart Grid Operations – Feed real-time capacity data into energy management systems for intelligent load balancing.
Reliability & Resilience Planning
Emergency Load Management – Temporarily push network capacity during outages or grid stress events.
Investment Deferral – Delay costly reinforcement projects by optimising current assets.
HOW IT WORKS
Based on the thermal analysis defined by IEC-60287 and IEC-60853 and combined with Distributed Temperature Sensors (DTS), the Bandweaver RTTR algorithm uses the following inputs and modelling.
Temperature Measurement
Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) continuously measures the temperature profile along underground, subsea, or overhead power cables.
Environmental Inputs
Environmental data including soil conditions are fed into the RTTR model.
Thermal Modelling
Advanced algorithms calculate the real-time heat dissipation of each cable segment. This uses a number of Bandweaver proprietary parameters within the cable construction
Dynamic Capacity Calculation
The system determines the maximum safe operating current (ampacity) for prevailing conditions.
Real-Time Updates
Cable rating values are refreshed continuously, allowing operators to adapt to load changes in real time.
Alarm & Threshold Management
If thermal limits are approached, alarms are triggered for pre-emptive action.
Integration with SCADA/EMS
Capacity data is sent to control systems for automatic load balancing and operational decisions.
Historical Logging & Forecasting
All data is stored for trending, predictive analysis, and long-term planning.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Advanced Visualisation and User-Friendly Interface
Bandweaver’s RTTR provides a user-friendly solution to managing your network. The RTTR software can pull multiple sensors (current sensors, third party DTS, security sensors…) from multiple circuits across a number of sites into one central location for complete control.
The RTTR also has the output to interface with legacy systems and can output in a number of industry-standard formats (Modbus, RS485, RS232 …) or can be customised according to customer requests.
Sectors
POWER & UTILITIES
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
TRANSPORTATION
LAW ENFORCEMENT
OIL & GAS
IT & TELECOMS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Product Overview & Technical Capabilities
What is RTTR?
Real-Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) is a monitoring solution that calculates the safe, dynamic operating capacity of power cables and overhead lines based on real-time temperature measurements and environmental conditions.
How is RTTR different from static rating?
Static ratings use fixed, worst-case assumptions, while RTTR adapts to actual conditions (soil, weather, load), allowing operators to safely increase capacity.
Which Bandweaver products support RTTR?
RTTR is enabled using DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) and integrated with Bandweaver’s T-Laser and MaxView platforms.
Installation & Integration
What parameters does RTTR monitor?
Cable temperature profiles, soil/ambient temperature conditions and cable load.
How accurate is RTTR?
Temperature resolution from ±1°C (depending on proximity of fiber to power cable) with location accuracy to ±1m along the cable.
Does RTTR detect faults?
Yes – it identifies hotspots, deteriorating joints, sheath damage, and thermal anomalies.
What is the update frequency?
Typically every few seconds, configurable depending on cable length and system design.
Commercial & Support
What is the warranty period?
Standard two years, extendable to five years with service agreements.
What is the lifespan of the sensing cable?
25+ years under normal operating conditions.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal – mainly software updates, health checks, and fiber termination cleaning.
Is training available?
Yes – Bandweaver provides installer, operator, and utility engineer training.