Object oriented expert system estimates line ampacity

In a competitive power supply business environment, line ampacity predictions are required by electric power utilities for economic generation planning, system dispatching, contingency planning, security analysis, and for normal and emergency operation of electric power systems. The line ampacity system featured in this article calculates ampacity from general purpose National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts and does not require additional hardware on power lines. By designing the ampacity expert system with objects and rules, it can be easily implemented in small and large electric companies. The Line Ampacity System (LINEAMPS) is a PC/Windows-based, power-line ampacity, expert-system program for the estimation of line ampacity during steady-state, dynamic state, and transient conditions. It was developed by the application of artificial intelligence using object-oriented, knowledge-base design of the power line environment. The expert system provides hourly values of line ampacity up to 7 days in advance and is used for the operation, planning, and design of transmission and distribution lines at all voltages