Unlocking the full potential of Optical Ground Wires through distributed sensing
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Overview & Ideas
Challenge Context
As a leading European Transmission System Operator (TSO), TenneT is committed to enabling a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy future. Meeting the rising demand for transmission capacity requires rethinking how we design, build, maintain, and operate our grid. To address immediate congestion challenges, we must adopt innovative solutions to maximize the potential of existing assets.
Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) have improved grid efficiency through advanced monitoring, prediction, and control. Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), traditionally used for internal communication, also offers untapped potential for distributed sensing. By providing real-time data on sag, temperature, and wind conditions, these fiber optic cables can support dynamic transmission capacity management and enhance decision-making, improving grid reliability and safety.
Challenge Goal
Our ultimate goal is to unlock latent transmission capacity in our overhead lines as soon as possible by leveraging the existing Optical Ground Wires (OPGW). To achieve this, we must address the following subgoals:
Distributed Sensing Capabilities
Demonstrate solutions that enable accurate and real-time monitoring of key parameters such as sag, temperature and wind profiles along the entire conductor.
Organizational Adoption Readiness
Foster trust and transparency within the organization by demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the solution.
Residual Risk Insights
Provide information on the process that is used, including made assumptions, applied input parameters and mitigation of risks (e.g. exceedance of sag). This should enable us to get a good understanding of the benefits of the approach and support us in decision making.
Evaluation criteria
Solution submissions will be evaluated across the following dimensions:
Quality of Insights and Robustness (30%)
- Depth and Accuracy of Insights: Precision and comprehensiveness of data on hotspots, sag profiles, conductor dynamics, and wind characteristics.
- Performance in Extreme Conditions: Reliability and robustness during extreme weather events.
- Innovative Data Utilization: Unique insights or predictive capabilities leveraging data.
Ease of Implementation, Use, and Maintenance (30%)
- Minimal Operational Disruption: Deployment with minimal interruptions to current operations.
- Scalability and Adaptability: Potential for scaling across the network and adapting to different environments.
- Transparency and Trust: Clarity of measurement and processing methods.
- Automation Level: Degree of automation in setup, operation, and maintenance.
- User Interface: Intuitive interface supporting efficient operation.
- Maintainability: Ease of maintenance, including updates and troubleshooting.
Interoperability and Data Ownership (20%)
- Integration with Existing Systems: Compatibility with current infrastructure and systems.
- Avoidance of Vendor Lock-In: Proprietary dependencies.
- Data Ownership and Accessibility: Data ownership and ease of migration.
- Stakeholder Accessibility: Data accessibility and understandability for various stakeholders.
- Support for Open Standards: Compatibility with open standards and APIs.
Costs and Long-Term Commercial Viability (20%)
- Proof of Concept Costs: Detailed breakdown of initial costs.
- Financial Sustainability: Long-term financial viability.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Potential ROI based on unlocking latent transmission capacity.
Data Security (Knock-Out Criteria)
- Protection Against Breaches: Robust protection again
Submission Process
Submit your solution privately through our submission form, with the option to include attachments. Selected participants will be invited to a (virtual) selection day to pitch their ideas and engage in roundtable discussions.
What to Expect
We aim to launch a pilot within two months to test promising solutions in a real-world setting. Successful pilots will lay the groundwork for full-scale implementation, offering valuable insights into capacity optimization and grid resilience.
Join us in pushing the boundaries of overhead line utilization and shaping the future energy grid. We look forward to your innovative proposals and collaboration in driving the energy transition forward.