Analyzing the role of emissivity in stranded conductors for overhead power lines

Emissivity and absorptivity are important parameters in overhead power line conductors that depend on the conductor surface condition, so their values change as the conductors age. They have an important effect on their thermal behavior, so it is important to know their value when designing dynamic line rating (DLR) strategies. DLR methods are becoming increasingly important, especially in areas with congested power lines, as they allow the full capacity of the lines to be utilized by dynamically determining their maximum allowable currents without exceeding the safe temperature limits of the conductors, thus ensuring that they operate within safe limits. However, measuring emissivity and absorptivity is non-trivial and requires complex tests that cannot be performed in the field. Using simulations based on a realistic thermoelectric model and experimental tests performed on three types of transmission line conductors in a high-current laboratory, this paper shows the importance and effect of emissivity on conductor temperature. It also presents a method for measuring the emissivity value based on adjusting the emissivity and absorptivity values in the thermoelectric model to match the experimental values. The results presented show that aged conductors allow an increase in the maximum current carrying capacity compared to new conductors in the order of 5–14 %, depending on the conductor type considered and the operating conditions.