The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a $732,493 investment in Infravision to develop, test, and trial its “Next-Generation Line Monitoring System.”
The system is designed to optimise grid performance to deliver faster, safer, and cost-efficient drone-enabled line enhancement to existing electrical infrastructure, ARENA said in a media release.
The demonstration project comes as an added feature to Infravision’s TX System, a live line aerial stringing system that serves as a modernised alternative to traditional methods.
Infravision’s line monitoring technology consists of a sensor stack that can be mounted by drone on transmission lines to provide real-time microclimatic data, which can unlock additional transmission line capacity.
The data can be used in calculating a Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), providing a more accurate and responsive measurement of transmission and allowing higher volumes of energy to be safely distributed at suitable conditions.
The Next-Generation Line Monitoring System Demonstration project will see Infravision deploy, test, and enhance a fleet of Next-Generation sensors on the New South Wales transmission network, providing Transgrid with high-fidelity data on selected lines.
Most transmission operators currently leverage static line ratings, which make conservative assumptions, to ensure that lines operate safely at all times. This activity is currently executed without the knowledge of actual environmental conditions affecting the line.
Darren Miller, chief executive officer of ARENA, said the Next-Generation DLR solution could reduce the need for new transmission infrastructure and help accelerate the electricity transition.
“The electricity transition is going to require new generation and transmission on a massive scale. Infravision’s integrated Dynamic Line Rating solution can help get the most out of existing transmission lines,” Miller said. “Allowing an increased flow of electricity through existing assets reduces the need for new infrastructure, keeping down costs for consumers and network operators.
“Infravision is a great example of an Australian startup providing practical solutions to unlocking a higher penetration of renewable generation sooner which can be applicable to the NEM and other electricity networks across the world,’ the ARENA CEO added.
