Study of intelligent overloading in power delivery systems

Ampacity or current rating for power apparatus is conventionally based on conservative ambient temperature assumptions neglecting the thermal inertia and diurnal load variations. While this has been a safe engineering practice in view of feeder instrumentation levels of the past, new opportunities are arising for real-time ampacity revisions due in part to proliferation of line sensors and meters. The data from sensors and smart meters can be effectively leveraged to optimize feeder loading in real time. This paper studies the overload potential for major feeder components including cables, transformers, and overhead lines. The factors impacting the rating of feeder components, such as thermal mass and ambient conditions, are analyzed and discussed.