Potential Benefits of Implementing Ambient Adjusted Rating in the Argentinean Transmission System

It is a common practice in electric transmission companies to implement static ratings or seasonal ratings for their transmission lines, for use in operations, planning and market models. Those ratings are calculated assuming worst temperature, wind and solar radiation conditions the line is expected to operate. Consideration of such conservative assumption usually lead to less efficient use of existing assets. The use of ambient-adjusted ratings (AARs) implemented by some entities, which adjust rating frequently based on local ambient air temperatures, has proven to be cost-effective solution to increase the capacity of transmission lines, which in turn brings multiple benefits to the system. This paper discusses the potential use and benefits of implementing AAR in the Argentinean transmission network. A case study is presented to illustrate the concept. The study shows how AAR can be used to increase the transmission capability of thermal limited transmission path that constrains the output of a wind plant. With the increased transmission capacity wind energy curtailed can be significantly reduced. The paper discusses other potential benefits of the technology and implementation considerations.