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2. Heimdall Power of Norway has developed a sensor called Neuron, known as a “magic ball,” that reads the temperature of high voltage transmission lines in real-time.
3. The technology helps increase the capacity of existing power lines, allowing for more electricity to be transmitted without the need for expensive new infrastructure, benefiting renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Heimdall Power of Norway has developed a sensor known as a “magic ball” that can wrap around high voltage transmission lines to read their temperature in real-time. This technology is beneficial for utility companies because it allows them to maximize the capacity of existing power lines without the need for expensive upgrades. The sensor provides precise temperature readings, which help grid operators determine how much power a line can handle at any given time.
The “magic ball” sensors from Heimdall have gained popularity in Europe, with a recent deployment of 52 sensors by Great River Energy in Minnesota. These sensors have the potential to increase the power that can be delivered on a line by up to 42.8%, providing significant benefits for renewable energy sources like wind and solar plants. Despite their success in Europe, these technologies have been slower to adopt in the US due to regulatory and financial barriers in the utility industry. Companies like Heimdall are part of a growing trend of grid enhancing technologies that aim to improve the efficiency and capacity of existing power infrastructure.
The use of grid enhancing technologies like the “magic ball” sensors can help reduce electricity costs for ratepayers and facilitate the integration of more renewable energy sources onto the grid. By providing grid operators with real-time information on transmission line capacity, these technologies can optimize power distribution and reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. However, the regulatory framework in the utility industry may need to change to incentivize the widespread adoption of these innovative solutions.