Duquesne Light Company enhances grid capacity, reliability with dynamic line rating system
Pittsburgh-based Duquesne Light Company announced Thursday it had expanded its work with LineVision Inc. to deploy grid-enhancing technology to increase line capacity and reliability.
The company said it will deploy more dynamic line rating (DLR) sensors in its service territory following the initial launch of a DLR project last summer. While the company is currently preparing to use the data it has gathered from the sensors, preliminary information shows promise, officials said.
Since installing DLR sensors, Duquesne has identified an average of 25 percent additional available capacity on transmission lines equipped with the technology. Through real-time visibility of line congestion and conditions, the company can assess when maintenance is required, which will increase service reliability, officials said.
“At Duquesne Light Company, we believe everyone deserves to benefit from a clean energy future, and our organization plays a critical role in enabling southwestern Pennsylvania’s shift toward renewables,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cook, general manager of advanced grid solutions at DLC. “Having this level of visibility into the performance of our network helps us ensure a more responsive and flexible grid and arms us with the data to safely increase our lines’ load. DLC is committed to investing in advanced grid technologies to maintain a reliable, safe, and resilient grid for our customers and region.”
Currently, LineVision’s sensors are installed on 345kV lines. As part of the expansion, DLC will deploy additional sensors to monitor 138kV transmission lines.
Company officials said the project will make it easier for the company to expand the integration of renewable energy and meet the area’s growing demand for electricity.
Additionally, the company said that the project aligns with Duquense’s commitment to invest in the innovative technologies and critical infrastructure necessary to modernize the electrical grid and advance clean energy solutions for the Pittsburgh region.
