Master's Thesis - Dynamic Line Rating based on phasor measurements

Company Description
We have been electrifying industries, powering homes and transforming life through innovation and collaboration for more than 100 years. Empowered by our goal, we are determined to enable fossil free living. To succeed we, as one of Europe's leading energy companies, must be fossil-free ourselves.
But that’s not enough. That’s why we are looking beyond our own industry, to see where we can really make a difference.
Power Climate Smarter living - that’s our purpose. We are looking for the brightest students to make this happen. Together you will contribute to a fossil free future. You will have a unique position to contribute to our purpose. All we ask from you is to use your Superpowers and share your energy to help us achieve our goal.


Job Description
Vattenfall Eldistribution AB is Sweden’s largest Distribution System Operator (DSO), managing around 9,000 km of 130 kV overhead lines. We face challenges in increasing electric power transmission, as power lines are currently rated based on static summer or winter conditions. Building new lines is expensive and often controversial.
For several years, we’ve used Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) based on weather measurements to increase capacity on some lines. However, this approach is difficult to scale for larger volumes. Therefore, Vattenfall Eldistribution is exploring an innovative solution: DLR using phasor measurements. This technology uses synchronized voltage and current measurements at the ends of power lines to calculate real-time power loss and line temperature, enabling dynamic ratings based on local weather conditions.
Scope
This Master Thesis aims to clarify the mathematical foundations of DLR based on phasor measurements. The first step is to describe some commercial products using this method, and summarize international experiences in the field. The second step assesses the equations, including conditions, limitations and expected inaccuracies. Finally, a thorough assessment of the measurement chain is conducted, including a sensitivity analysis. How will current and voltage transformer inaccuracies or failing time synchronization affect the result? What is the overall assessment of DLR based on phasor measurements?
Key question: How accurately can an overhead line medium temperature be calculated?
Limitations: 130 kV overhead lines only



Qualifications
We are looking for a student or students who want to work toward fossil-free living and are soon graduating from their academic studies. You are also someone who identifies with our principles: Active, Open, Positive, and Safety-focused.
Education: Enrolled in a master’s program in Technical Mathematics, Electric Power, or Theoretical Physics
Availability: Open to 1 or 2 master’s students
Language Requirement: Ability to present in Swedish at our Trollhättan office



Additional Information
Duration: Jan - June 2025 (start date as agreed)
Location: Gothenburg
Application: A single file with CV, cover letter and grades
Last date for application: 2024-11-30
Contact at Vattenfall: Tor Johansson, tor1.johansson@vattenfall.com, 0730-856 407

Diversity and Inclusion – in Everything We Do
We are convinced that heterogeneous teams can outperform homogeneous ones. However, we can only unlock and harness the power of diversity when everyone feels included. Read more about our important work on diversity and inclusion here.
Since Vattenfall is part of Sweden's critical infrastructure, many of our positions are classified for security. This means that if this position is security-classified, final candidates may be subject to a special security review in accordance with the Security Protection Act.