An On-Line Method for Transmission Ampacity Evaluation

The evaluation of transmission equipment ampacity using heat balance models with statistical weather data has been utilized extensively as a planning tool by power utilities for a period of time. Since the transmission facilities are exposed to a fluctuating weather envitonment and operating conditions, the traditional practice is to use very conservative data in the ampacity calculations. This approach, however, seriously limits the efficient use of transmission facilities from the operating point of view because the assumed conservative conditions rarely happen[1].