Cooling power lines for an efficient grid

The innovative coating helps to stop overheating and boost electrical transmission

Spotted: The UK’s electricity grid has undergone limited upgrades in the last 70 years, and according to the National Grid’s Electricity System operator, the system is reaching its limit. With 64 per cent more electricity demand expected by 2035, it’s clear that updates are needed, including making existing power lines more efficient. AssetCool has an idea to help.

As electricity is transported through pylons and overhead lines, these wires can quickly warm up. Not only can this make them less efficient, but it also poses a safety risk: when the lines warm, they sag, which can cause them to droop into the treeline and spark fires. This issue of overheating is only growing as electricity demand rises and the climate warms, triggering more power line fires and electricity blackouts. To combat this, AssetCool has developed an innovative photonic coating that keeps lines cool.

Using passive radiative cooling, the coating reflects solar radiation and allows infrared heat generated by conductors to escape more easily. In getting rid of excess heat and preventing more from entering power lines, the coating helps to minimise electrical resistance, reducing power losses and associated CO2 emissions. This would enable existing lines to meet additional electricity demand, instead of more expensive infrastructure being required.

Tests of the technology found that lines covered in AssetCool’s coating remained over 20 degrees Celsius cooler than their uncoated equivalents when under direct sunlight. This enabled a 25 per cent greater ampacity (the maximum amount of current carried) in the coated line.

Written By: Matilda Cox