LKX MULTI OFFERS MOST COMPLETE MONITORING SOLUTION IN MARKET
Reykjavik - 28 February 2024 - Today at the DistribuTECH International conference, Laki Power, a leading manufacturer of power line monitoring solutions, launched the LKX MULTI monitoring station. The LKX MULTI is a compact line monitoring unit with optical cameras, a meteorological station, and line sensors. LKX MULTI will assist utility companies in protecting their power lines amidst ever-changing extreme weather conditions and help them optimize capacity as renewables become ever more integrated into the grid.
Between 2011 and 2021, the average annual number of weather-related power outages increased by roughly 78% compared to 2000-2010 (source: Climate Central). With utility companies in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world experiencing the dire consequences of climate change, notably heavier storms, and more extreme temperatures, there is an increased need for utilities to protect and monitor their power lines.
Utility companies do not only find themselves confronted with adverse weather events, but also growing demand for more power, which leads to grid congestion as renewables grow. Upgrading or constructing new lines is an expensive and lengthy process. Laki Power's Dynamic Line Rating solution, integrated with the LKX-MULTI, addresses these issues. It can enhance transmission capacity by an average of 40% by leveraging accurate wind measurements along the power line, ensuring improved performance even during adverse weather conditions.
In total, the monitoring station has been developed to be a reliable grid-enhancing technology that can be used for Dynamic Line Rating, weather change related events (the monitoring for galloping and vibration, ice load monitoring, and smoke and fire detection), and surveillance of critical infrastructure.
The LKX MULTI station comes with the following features and benefits:
Features | Benefits |
4K bidirectional cameras from Mobotix | Two optical cameras, one mast-facing and one line-facing, can capture images and video in 4K resolution. |
meteorological sensor | The meteorological sensor measures ambient temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. |
ultrasonic wind sensor from FT Technologies | The ultrasonic wind sensor provides reliable wind speed & direction up to 75 m/s. |
accelerometer | This device monitors line movement, galloping, aeolian vibration, and metrics such as ground clearance and line sag. |
salinity sensor | This sensor monitors salinity on overhead power lines which is crucial for preventing corrosion along with ensuring longevity and reliability. |
current sensor | The current sensor measures the conductor’s current, making it possible to conduct Dynamic Line Rating. |
enhanced computing power for AI and other on-board applications | This provides for the ability to detect icing and other events using image recognition and ML algorithms. |
The LKX MULTI is equipped with Laki Power’s patented power harvesting technology which ensures a stable power supply to cameras, on-board computers, sensors, and more, making solar panels or batteries unnecessary. The station is completely autonomous, requiring zero on-site maintenance, at minimal cost.
Finally, the LKX MULTI runs with Laki Power’s proprietary Laki Analytics Studio. This software suite allows users to access critical information in real time and generate events based on data from multiple sensors and cameras.
“Offering assurance that they know what is happening with their power lines”
“Utility companies see the complexity of the surveillance of their critical infrastructure drastically increase with weather conditions becoming increasingly unpredictable and extreme. With our powerful LKX MULTI station, we assure them that they always know what the condition of their power lines looks like,” says Ósvaldur Knudsen, the CEO of Laki Power.
“Reliable monitoring capabilities without huge investments in external power resources”
Laki Power serves utility companies in several countries, among them are Statnett (Norway), TEIAS (Turkey), IPTO (Greece), and Landsnet (Iceland). Landsnet has tested the LKX MULTI station on its power lines and was very satisfied with the result:
“The monitoring stations gave us reliable monitoring capabilities in critical locations without the need for huge investments in external power sources,” said Þórarinn Bjarnason, Head of Grid O&M, Landsnet.
ABOUT LAKI POWER
Founded in Iceland, Laki Power specializes in manufacturing advanced line-powered monitoring solutions for overhead transmission lines, including powerful & reliable monitoring systems and software.
Laki Power´s suite of products, including the comprehensive LKX series and all-in-one Laki Analytics Studio, provides continuous monitoring for unparalleled situational awareness and the proactive management of critical events such as icing, galloping, bottlenecks, surveillance, and wildfires.
As an innovative provider of grid monitoring solutions, they are dedicated to offering high-quality reliable systems that address the unique needs of the energy sector. Their commitment to innovation has garnered the trust of leading global energy companies, including Statnett, who rely on their technology to enhance grid efficiency, reliability, and safety.
Laki Power´s customer-centric approach has enabled them to build lasting relationships with grid operators, offering them personalized support and services to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction. Their dedication to empowering grid operators with reliable data and actionable insights makes them a trusted partner in the energy industry.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jo Detavernier
Email: jo@detavernier-strategic.com