Dynamic Rating of Power Lines and Transformers for Wind Energy Integration

Sammanfattning: Dynamic Rating (DR) is usually associated with unlocking the capacity of power lines and transformers using available information on weather conditions. Our studies show that Dynamic Rating is a broad concept that requires further study and development.The capacity of the majority of power devices is highly dependent on the heat transfer properties of the materials which the devices are made of. To ensure correct power limits of the equipment, one must take into consideration not only the power load, but also ambient conditions, such as: temperature, wind speed, wind direction, solar irradiation, humidity, pressure, radiation into the atmosphere and magnetic losses.Dynamic rating is created as an alternative to standard constant rating that is designed with reference to extreme weather and load conditions. Some areas are more likely than others to experience extreme weather conditions, which have a chance of occurring only a few days per year for short periods of time. Such a distribution of weather parameters gives an opportunity to embed existing material properties of the power equipment and achieve a better utilization of the grid.The following thesis is divided into two simultaneous topics: Dynamic line rating and Dynamic transformer rating. The division is motivated by the importance of analysing the operation of the above-mentioned parts of the power network in greater detail. Power lines and transformers play a significant part in grid planning and have a potential to result in economic benefits when used with DR.The main focus of the doctoral project "Dynamic rating of power lines and transformers for wind energy integration" is on exploring potential ways to connect power generated from wind to the grid with the help of dynamic rating technologies. Therefore, great focus of the work lies on the analysis of DR connection of variable energy sources such as wind farms.The thesis presents the comparison of different line rating methods and proposes a new way of their classification. Evaluation of dynamic line rating application has shown the possibility to expand the power grid with additional capacity from wind power generation. Literature analysis and detailed evaluation of the conductor heat balance models have led to experimental evaluation of the convective cooling effect.The dynamic transformer rating application has shown a possibility to decrease the size of the power transformer without shortcoming in component availability.