Engineering Director, Inc.

Article in February Edition of AMPP Magazine on 'How Not to Do Machine Learning'. You can download full article here https://lnkd.in/ei2XrFMi

What about “Orbs”? Since my post on reconductoring I’ve received many emails and messages about other technology that is being used on HVAC transmission lines to increase capacity without installing new towers. Technology that is available now, is relatively inexpensive, and can be installed easily without the need for permits. “Orbs” are one of those technologies. Historically, HVAC transmission lines operate between 20% to 40% below their actual capacity. This is mainly because the transmission line operators don’t have information they need in real time regarding the temperature of the power line itself, the amount of sag on the lines, and other data. Without the data they have to be conservative to avoid damaging their systems. One company from Norway has a device that is called an “orb” or “neuron.” These round silver balls can be installed by drones or helicopters directly on the transmission power line and they gather and transmit line temperature, sag, and other data so the transmission companies can optimize their line loads. Using these devices can result in a 30% to 40% increase in capacity on average. These units have been installed in Minnesota- 52 of them on a 150 mile transmission system in a matter of weeks. Other transmission companies such as Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power are investing in similar technology called “dynamic line rating” to increase capacity without building new infrastructure, with similar increases in operating capacity. The use of this technology is great. It will certainly allow HVAC operators to optimize their existing infrastructure and increase capacity. The problem though is the same as with reconductoring. There is no requirement to notify pipeline operators who may be collocated in shared rights-of-ways with the HVAC transmission lines. No permits are required for these devices, and installation is fast. With the government’s push to build HVAC transmission capacity, has anyone considered the potential impact on pipelines? Can we discuss the need for communications and information sharing between HVAC operators and pipeline operators? There needs to be a conversation about this and it needs to take place soon. There are billions of dollars available to HVAC operators to increase capacity as fast as possible and I am sure it will be spent! Please note, the opinions I express here are mine alone and do not represent the company I work for. An example of one of the orbs from the manufacturers website. Picture from: https://heimdallpower.com