Thermal behaviour of network components depending on outdoor weather conditions

The liberalization of the power market and the increasing number of regenerative energy producers (esp. wind parks) cause an increasing current load on existing transmission systems. As a result, power utilities and system operators are currently looking for opportunities to increase the capacity of the existing overhead lines (OHL) without increasing the risk of equipment or system failure due to higher loading and an accelerated aging of the transmission infrastructure. Several monitoring systems to increase the capacity of the existing Transmission lines are in service [1]. But all components of the electrical circuit have to be able to carry the increased current load. It is also necessary to take care on ageing behaviour of existing joints and terminations in transmission and distribution systems [2].