Grid-Enhancing Technologies
What are Grid-Enhancing Technologies?
Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) help move power more efficiently through existing grid infrastructure.
GETs include three families of technologies:
- Dynamic Line Ratings provide real-time thermal limits for transmission lines. Lower temperatures and windy conditions can drastically increase transmission line capacity beyond their labeled limits. By accurately showing transmission operators how much power can flow through a line, they can better optimize how power is routed through the system.
- Power-Flow Control Devices allow grid operators to optimize the transmission system by routing power to lines with available capacity. This can help relieve pressure on overloaded lines and better leverage underutilized lines.
- Analytical tools such as sensors and monitoring devices provide grid operators with real-time data to help them better manage the grid.
Building grid infrastructure can take decades and cost millions of dollars. GETs are essential to allow grid operators to optimize existing infrastructure assets while upgrades are planned and carried out.
Why is it important to New York State?
Grid-Enhancing Technologies are a crucial component of the energy transition to ensure that electric transmission and distribution systems in New York can support the achievement of CLCPA goals. GETs have the ability to increase the capacity of systems as well as in many cases reduce the need for new transmission projects, implying significant reductions in capital investment for grid stakeholders. As the NYS grid anticipates an increase in electric load to balance on the power grid, improving the efficiency of power lines through GETs will be crucial to further empower reliable power flow for consumers.
How is Grid CONNECT advancing Grid-Enhancing Technologies?
Grid CONNECT is exploring how New York utilities can leverage these technologies to enhance the transmission system. The NYPA AGILe Lab’s digital twin of New York’s transmission system will serve as an asset for testing the capabilities of these technologies to alleviate the challenges facing the grid.
Check out NYPA’s post on the Idea Exchange regarding their partnership with Prisma Photonics to monitor icing, wind, and sabotage affecting their transmission lines.
How Can I get Involved?
Do you have an idea for how New York can deploy Grid-Enhancing Technologies? Post it on Grid CONNECT’s Idea Exchange! You will have to register an account to create a post, but all ideas are publicly visible.