Lindsey Transmission Line Monitor (TLM) devices are shown being installed “live line” using a hot stick procedure on Imperial Oil’s 144 kV transmission system in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. The process involved no interruption of service. A number of sensors were installed at various locations to assist operators at Cold Lake to maximize transmission system capacity with improved reliability.
Each of the Lindsey TLM devices transmits real-time measurement data of the transmission line’s conductor behavior. This includes measurements of load current, conductor temperature, and conductor clearance-to-ground. The Iridium satellite network is being used to pass the information to operating engineers at the Imperial Cold Lake facility.

The conductor behavior is presented to the operators in a browser-based, on-line, TLM “Dashboard View.” This gives the operators the ability to visualize the system’s performance in real-time and provides the opportunity to increase both the operating capacity and efficiency of the system by maximizing generation to match line capacity.
TLM monitors are part of Lindsey’s next generation SMARTLINE dynamic line rating system. SMARTLINE is a simple to install system that provides utilities, regional transmission organizations, and transmission operators both real-time and forecast indications of transmission line capacity. The SMARTLINE dynamic line rating system allows for maximizing transmission capacity based on actual weather and operating conditions, while ensuring both compliance to electrical clearance limitations and conductor thermal limits.
For more information on the TLM transmission line monitor or the SMARTLINE dynamic line rating system, please contact Lindsey.