Laki Power Dynamic Line Rating case study

Overview and background

Measuring weather conditions in remote regions poses significant challenges, primarily due to the lack of access to power for meteorological instruments. Traditional remote power solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, diesel generators, or batteries are costly and complex to install and maintain. As a result, large geographical areas often go without reliable weather measurements, leading to inaccuracies in weather reports and forecasts.

Laki Power, an Icelandic provider of high-voltage surveillance technology, has developed an innovative solution to overcome this hurdle. Their monitoring stations, installed directly on overhead power lines, harness power through induction. These stations are equipped with various weather instruments, including FT Technologies wind sensor, ambient temperature monitors, and salinity monitors. The collected data is transmitted in real-time to power grid operators via mobile networks. With a quick 30-minute installation process and no need for maintenance, this hardware solution is efficient and highly scalable.

Given that power lines traverse a wide range of landscapes—from mountains to forests and valleys—Laki Power’s system offers a cost-effective method to collect hyper-local weather data across numerous microclimates. This solution is especially valuable for Transmission System Operators (TSOs), Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and electric utilities, who can use it for Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), a control technology that increases the capacity of existing power lines. Meteorological offices and highway agencies have also shown interest, recognizing its potential to eliminate weather data blind spots and improve weather forecasting.

The challenge

Laki Power’s monitoring stations are often located in harsh environments where extreme weather is common. In cold regions, line icing is a significant risk, while hotter climates face threats like elevated temperatures and wildfires. To address these challenges, Laki Power needed a wind sensor capable of delivering accurate wind speed and direction data in such extreme conditions. Additionally, the sensor had to be small, lightweight, and able to endure high electric fields and high-vibration environments.

The solution

To meet these requirements, Laki Power partnered with FT Technologies, selecting their FT743-SM wind sensor as the ideal choice. The sensor’s compact size, surface-mounting capability, and all-body heating to prevent icing made it the perfect fit for this application.

Initially, the sensor was mounted on top of the LKX module, but during testing, Laki’s engineers decided to relocate it beneath the module for added protection from the electric field. A custom-designed mushroom-shaped cap was also developed to minimise the potential for corona discharge.

After integrating the sensor and cap into the LKX-MULTIstation, wind tunnel tests were conducted at Deutsche WindGuard’s laboratory in Germany. These tests gathered extensive calibration data to fine-tune the system and ensure the accuracy of wind measurements.

Results

Several LKX-MULTI stations, now equipped with the FT743-D-SM sensor, have been successfully installed on power lines in Iceland and Norway. Despite operating in extreme conditions—such as heavy ice and strong winds—the stations have performed flawlessly, providing reliable and accurate wind data in real-time.

The LKX-MULTI surveillance station offers more than just wind measurements. It combines advanced features like 4K bidirectional cameras, a fisheye ground-view camera, and a comprehensive array of thermographic and environmental sensors, providing unparalleled line and ground surveillance capabilities.

Laki Power’s Experience with FT Sensors

“Of all the sensors we assessed, the FT wind sensors were the only ones that met all our criteria: able to operate in a high-voltage environment, withstand extreme cold and ice, and fit within our design constraints. After collaborating closely with FT Technologies to perfect the integration, we were very pleased with the wind tunnel test results, which confirmed the high accuracy of the wind speed measurements.

Now that renewable technologies like wind and solar are mainstream, utilities and investors are focused on improving margins through better control systems. Wind and solar PV systems are capital-intensive, so it’s essential to operate them at near-maximum efficiency. Accurate wind speed and solar data are crucial for this, as these energy sources are intermittent. Our FT743-D-SM-equipped stations will provide transmission system and power grid operators with real-time data to help them better monitor and manage their infrastructure, particularly in remote or wildfire-prone areas.”

CEO of Laki Power, Iceland

FT743-D-SM Wind Sensor

Designed for integration into OEM equipment, the FT743-D-SM delivers accurate wind speed measurement up to 75m/s. It features superior corrosion-resistance, an all body-heater design and is very tolerant of high electric field environments. The core Acu-Res technology is also inherently immune to physical vibration.

View the FT7 Series