Knowledge system for thermal rating of overhead conductors

This paper describes the application of a knowledge-based system for evaluation of the short-time thermal rating and temperature rise of overhead conductors. The knowledge system was developed using the Leonardo expert system shell in conjunction with a database. Leonardo has been gaining popularity among commercial tools for developing expert system applications. A comparison with indoor and outdoor tests shows that the knowledge system is an accurate model of the actual physical events. The knowledge system can be successfully used to assist power system operators in loading of power transmission lines for various operating and ambient conditions. It also assists the operators to determine the permissible duration of the conductor overload. Further development will attempt to apply the knowledge system in real-time based on the data obtained from the SCADA system.