Smart Wires — A distributed, low-cost solution for controlling power flows and monitoring transmission lines

Smart Wires is a family of three Distributed FACTS (D-FACTS) technologies able to realize low-cost transmission line monitoring and power flow control in meshed networks. Smart Wires will allow utilities to increase power transfers in meshed networks by increasing average line utilization. The technology is projected to have significantly lower cost and lead time than alternatives, namely new line construction, reconductoring, or conventional FACTS technology. This paper overviews the work done to date to demonstrate the feasibility and impact of the technology, including prototype development and system simulations.