Utility Risk Management Corporation (URMC) today announced the introduction of new thermal imaging technology ‘ Thermal Directâ ¢ ‘ capable of enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the nation’s electric grid. The technology represents a break-through for the industry in that it precisely measures conductor temperatures, enabling utilities to: improve system reliability and capacity; enhance the security of transmission assets; demonstrate compliance with applicable regulatory requirements; and reduce mitigation costs associated with compliance by as much as $2 billion dollars over a period of three years. In recent testing confirmed by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) sensors, Thermal Direct’s accuracy presented a 95 percent confidence level, with residual error of only 3.75°F or 2.09°C.
Current industry practice relies on calculating (versus actually measuring) conductor temperature through a steady-state heat balance equation, which can generate significant margins of error due primarily to weather variables, such as wind and ambient temperature. In late 2010, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) issued a regulatory alert requiring all transmission operators to assess within the next three years the precise physical characteristics of their high voltage transmission lines relative to design specifications. Actual conductor temperature will be a leading indicator for NERC.’This technology is critical to an industry in which there is no room for error,’ said Adam Rousselle, chief executive officer of URMC. ‘Precision in the measurement of conductor temperature has always been considered the holy grail for utilities. I am thrilled with our recent break-through and look forward to sharing it with transmission operators across the country.’
‘After observing recent testing of this technology, I can confirm that it has the potential to be far more accurate and efficient than traditional calculation methods,’ said Dale Douglass, principal engineer with Power Delivery Consultants, Inc. ‘It removes uncertainty and reduces the need for engineering conservatism, which could lead to higher line ratings.’
About URMC
Founded in 2005, URMC is a technology-enabled engineering services firm providing vital information and analytics to electric utilities in order to safeguard and optimize their transmission and distribution infrastructures. URMC is a proven innovator in the field of risk management, consistently delivering high value and innovative technologies that cater to the electric utility industry’s unique mission-critical needs. URMC harnesses disparate technologies and processes ‘ such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), Infrared Thermography, Satellite Imagery, Power Line Systems Computer-aided Design and Drafting (PLS-CADD) modeling, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) ‘ to provide utility-specific analysis and solutions with unprecedented depth, accuracy and speed. URMC arms the utility industry with critical insights into areas such as vegetation encroachment, survey point clearance, sag and tension limits, thermal line ratings and line capacity.
Available to speak on the validity of the test’s data and the significance of this breakthrough:
Adam Rousselle ‘ CEO and Founder, URMC
Dr. Andrew Phillips ‘ Technical Director of Transmission and Substations Area, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Dennis E. Mize ‘ Line Design Support Supervisor, Southern Company Services
Dale Douglass ‘ Principal Engineer, Power Delivery Consultants, Inc.
STOWE, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Utility Risk Management Corporation