Theoretical Potential of Dynamic Line Ratings for Congestion Management in Large-Scale Power Systems

Dynamic line ratings (DLR) refer to a power system operation concept aiming at maximizing the utilization of the grid infrastructure when environmental conditions allow it. By forecasting or measuring weather data it is possible to operate power lines with higher weather dependent current ratings without compromising safety. Within this paper, a methodology to generate theoretically calculated DLR time series for congestion management simulations is proposed. The impact of DLR is evaluated by applying the methodology to a grid model of the European transmission system for which N-1 power flow and congestion management simulations are performed. The results show that congestion management measures can be reduced by more than 60% by considering dynamic instead of static line ratings. However, there are several aspects regarding the proposed methodology and its consequences for secure power system operations that are identified to be considered and further investigated.