Autonomous-vehicle technology boosts power-line performance

Utility company National Grid is testing sensor technology developed for self-driving vehicles to increase the power-carrying capacity of overhead power cables in the U.S. and U.K.

The LineVision system integrates the same lidar technology used in vehicle collision avoidance systems into its dynamic line ratings platform. It measures how much electricity cables sag due to environmental conditions, which affects how much power that line can carry.

Under the wrong conditions, if too much power is transmitted down a line it can warm, sag and snap. By detecting exactly how much the lines sag, the lidar can determine the temperature of the conductor and operators can push as much as 40% more power down the line.

According to LineVision, the technology could unlock 0.6GW of additional capacity per year, enough to power more than 500,000 homes and save $1.8 million in network operating costs.

LineVision showcased its technology at a recent innovation open day held by National Grid Partners (NGP), the innovation arm of National Grid.

Importantly, LineVision’s system is installed relatively low on the legs of electricity transmission towers, meaning it is a safe distance from live power lines and requires no downtime to install.  

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