Heimdall Power, the global grid enhancing technology company, has revealed a new plan to help the U.S. utilities comply with and exceed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 881 mandate in two weeks.
The company has introduced a blueprint to scale the installation of its Neuron sensors (or Magic Balls) to high voltage power lines across the country’s grids. Thus, the utilities will be able to achieve Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR), a step beyond the FERC-mandated Ambient Adjusted Ratings (AAR), before the July 2025 deadline–laying the foundation for upcoming real-time rating requirements.
Heimdall Power’s plan will benefit both types of operators: those seeking on-time compliance with FERC 881 and those planning to set up the early foundation for their ultimate move to Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR).
The two-week compliance blueprint includes:
- Neuron sensors that gather real-time data. The company’s sphere-shaped Neuron sensors sit on high-voltage power lines to collect and measure the hyper-local factors that influence transmission capacity: current, voltage, line angle, temperature and weather conditions.
- Software that puts this data into action. Heimdall Power’s software then leverages machine learning algorithms to synthesize this data and understand power lines’ real-time transmission capacity.
- 15-second sensor installations through drone. Instead of relying on the traditional 6-linemen teams, Heimdall Power deploys 2-person drone crews to oversee the autonomous installation of its Neuron sensors to power lines. Each installation takes under a minute to complete.
- Installation of 800 sensors per week. With twenty drone crews operating simultaneously, the company can currently achieve up to 800 Neuron installations per week. A company that needs 1,600 sensors or less will have what they need to not only comply with–but to surpass FERC 881 optimization requirements–in two weeks.
- Setting the stage for Dynamic Line Ratings. While FERC 881’s mandate only requires hourly or weekly measurements, utilities with Heimdall Power’s Neurons will now have the infrastructure they need to achieve Dynamic Line Ratings–or real-time insights into the hyper-local conditions at different points across their grid. As energy demand increases, utilities will need this acute level of insight to not only better navigate stressors and minimize service interruptions, but to also unlock up to 40% more capacity from their existing grid.
“The upcoming FERC 881 order is merely the first domino to fall in a slew of upcoming enhancements that utilities will need to make to keep up with the increasing demand for electricity,” said Jorgen Festervoll, CEO of Heimdall Power. “Those that view this moment as an opportunity to lay the foundation for dynamic line ratings can increase their transmission capacity by a significant margin–and avoid the years-long infrastructure projects that once seemed like the only option.”
