Improving overhead transmission line usage efficiency on a caribbean island power system

Electricity transmission along overhead power lines has traditionally been limited by the transmission lines´ thermal rating, defined in terms of a fixed static rating. Load growth and the rapid increase in distributed generation have forced network operators to challenge these static ratings as overly conservative and explore alternative methods of maximizing transmission line capacity. This paper describes the development of an overhead dynamic line rating software. Ampacity calculations are performed using the IEEE 738 Standard and implemented in MATLAB with an accompanying GUI. Results indicate the line usage efficiency of one circuit examined in the Trinidad and Tobago´s electrical power transmission network can be increased, suggesting technical and financial benefits to further develop and expand this study.