In order to adjust the electric power network to today’s trends—such as the charging of electric vehicles, design of the Internal Electricity Market (IEM), headway of renewable energy sources, etc.—the demand for flexible network solutions is increasingly significant. Dynamic line rating (DLR) technology offers a flexible solution for the uprating of overhead lines. Moreover, the DLR methodology can be used in a wider system approach in order to establish a line management system, including functions such as ice prevention subsystems or the real-time tracking of clearances. Therefore, the extension possibilities and operational features of DLR-based systems have been extensively researched in the last few years, which is also confirmed by the high number of pilot projects funded for research and development on the topic of DLR. The key question during the implementation of a DLR system is the obtainable operational safety of such a system. This mainly depends on the installation places of the field equipment and the accuracy of the line rating calculation models. The aim of this article is the comparison of the so far available international line rating calculation models and also to propose another way for the determination of the real-time line rating. Moreover, laboratory measurements and case studies are presented for the confirmation of the proposed model’s reliability.

Dynamic line rating method (DLR) is a novel and cost-effective way to extend power overhead lines (OHLs) transfer capacity based on real-time monitoring of the weather parameters in the vicinity of the conductor. Via DLR models not only real-time, but also day-ahead transfer capacity calculation is possible which is more important from the aspect of TSOs. It is important to mention, that these DLR predictions are based on weather forecasts that usually has some uncertainty. The aim of the paper is to identify the potential risk of forecasted power line ampacity due to uncertain weather forecast. To investigate this rarely studied topic, several simulations were carried out applying real power line parameters and forecasted weather data. The results of the simulations showed that under unfavorable weather conditions the uncertainty of the weather prediction could significantly increase the sag of the OHLs if they fully utilized. To monitor the real-time state of the conductor’s sag, a novel risk factor calculation method was also investigated that provides additional safety information for the system operators in real time.

With the emergence of distributed and household power generation, the network usage tariffs based on the net energy consumption are becoming more and more unsuitable to express the real value of the service provided by the network operator. Assets are aging and are subjected to external overstresses even when in standby. Novel load patterns, e.g., due to electric vehicle charging, may cause accelerated aging.Accordingly, operators are seeking methods to calculate the real costs associated with asset aging and failures, which can be the basis of fair and realistic network usage tariffs. In this article, a methodology is proposed for such calculation for selected distribution network components. It considers standby aging, insulation life models and statistics of random failures and external overstresses for medium voltage buried cables, overhead line conductors and transformers.The method enables the estimation of the life consumption rate and other associated costs at any operational state, which can be the basis of tariff calculation.

FLEXITRANTORE as a HORIZON 2020 project aims to develop an integrated platform for the next generation flexible electricity transmission system. During the project the investigation and implementation of state-of-the-art technologies will be realized, like storage systems, new market designs and business models, Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology or de-icing methodologies. The objective of FLEXITRANTORE’s WP7 work package is to develop a DLR based anti-icing technology for transmission lines, therefore make the grid more reliable [ 1 ]. The aim of this paper is to present the investigation of complex icing system for transmission grid. The introduced investigation forms a two-level method, which in the first stage gives a warning for system operators, when the environmental factors are appropriate for ice formation on conductors. Then a mathematical model forecasts the radius and mass of the expected ice-layer. The second level of the system monitoring the ice-formation on the phase conductors with line-monitoring sensors, thus the system operators get real information about the line condition. The operation of the methodology is also investigated, which are also presented through case studies.