Using LiDAR survey to release line capacity
A Western Power Distribution case study
I n common with all UK DNOs in recent years, Western
Power Distribution has seen a rapid rise in the number
of connection applications for renewable generation
schemes. Cornwall, in particular, proved to be very
popular with developers of such schemes. With a fairly
sparse population and with little in the way of heavy
industry there is relatively little demand for electric
power in this region.
However, the rapid increase in
applications meant that there were periods of time
when the region as a whole was predicted to be a
significant net exporter of power, to the extent that
parts of the 132kV network (the highest voltage used
by DNOs) were limiting the amount of connections that
could be accepted by Western Power Distribution.
AS350 Eurocopter with laser scanner attached
NM Group
A T R I M B L E CO M PA N Y
Western Power Distribution
Western Power Distribution is responsible
for electricity distribution in the Midlands,
South West and Wales. Serving over 7.8 million
customers through a network of over 220,000
kilometres of lines and cables and 185,000
transformers, they are committed to providing a
safe and dependable power supply with minimal
connection environmental impact.
About the project
One overhead line in particular was the cause of
significant constraint – the “K” line running through
Cornwall and North Devon. In total, this double circuit
line runs for approximately 100km, and was originally
designed and constructed utilising a 175mm2 “Lynx”
ACSR conductor. Although a 30km stretch running
through Cornwall was re-conductored with 300mm2
“Upas” AAAC, there remains a 70km section still strung
with “Lynx” conductor, and profiled for a 50°C rated
temperature.
Removing the constraint is, in theory, relatively
straightforward – re-conductor the rest of the line with
300mm2 Upas. However, in practice, this is far from
a straightforward solution. The length of the line, the
mechanical strength limitations of the structures, and
the sequence and duration of outages required would
mean that work would take several years to complete.
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In the meantime, a more rapid solution was needed so Technology focus
the possibility of increasing the rated temperature of
the line was investigated.
NM Group used high-accuracy laser scanners

An aerial LiDAR survey and clearance assessment of attached to aircraft, this system takes thousands of

the line was commissioned, with NM Group undertaking LiDAR measurements of the power network and the

both the point cloud acquisition and conductor surrounding area.

clearance evaluation. The survey revealed that while the
line was not suitable for immediate uprating, measured
clearances indicated that the conductors had been
strung at lower tensions than normally used – instead
of a typical tension basis of 20% of breaking strength at
10°C, the line appeared to be strung to just 18%.
Through collecting meteorological data and the
precise electrical load of the line at the time of survey,
PLS-CADD™ can be used to model the circuit to identify
thermal constraints.

With the tower designs based on an assumption of

20% breaking strength at 10°C, there was clearly scope
for re-tensioning sections of the line without affecting
design structural loads. NM Group identified locations
where re-tension was required and confirmed that
these re-tensions could be achieved without exceeding
the original tension limits.

Re-tensioning was carried out on a total of 35

circuit sections over a series of outages between July
and October 2017. Additionally, NM Group’s analysis
identified one location where the re-tension to the
original tension limit would not achieve the required
clearance at the desired rated temperature. In this case
NM Group proposed adoption of a ‘floating dead end’,
where strain insulators are connected mechanically to
a short suspension unit. This was found to achieve the
required clearance at the desired temperature.
132kV line modelled in PLS-CADD™
Using a CAD model, thermal up-rating studies
a range of options to increase capacity on the line.
Including, but not limited to, re-conductoring, adjusting
the tension on the conductor and removing ground or
vegetation.
Project Summary
• Re-tension was completed avoiding a lengthy re-

“ Combining LiDAR survey

PLS-CADD™-based engineering analysis makes it
data

possible to accurately evaluate options for releasing

with a

•
furbishment project

Line rating increased from 50°C to 75°C

line capacity.
” Paul Richardson
Director of Engineering, NM Group
• Additional 50MW of additional capacity available
to WPD

Consequently, one suspension tower attachment

was thus modified in order to raise the conductor www.nmgroup.com
attachment point. The result of this work was that the
rated temperature of the Lynx conductor could be
raised to 75°C, with an associated rating increase of
around 30MW per circuit. This increase has allowed
WPD to accept approximately 50MW of additional info@nmgroup.com
generation connections while deferring the need for a
full refurbishment of the line.

NM Group
A T R I M B L E CO M PA N Y
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