New technology gives Ameren Illinois a clearer view of grid health
LineVue technology captures data as the unit travels across a span of power lines to evaluate the steel core inside power lines, which is a key indicator of overall strength and reliability. (Photo provided by Ameren Illinois)
Ameren Illinois crews are putting new technology to work in the Metro East, giving engineers a clearer picture of when to replace critical power lines before problems occur.
Recently, an East St. Louis line crew operated the company’s LineVue device on sub-transmission lines in between Sauget and Cahokia Heights, testing the condition and expected lifespan of the infrastructure that helps deliver electricity across the region.
“The LineVue unit scans the integrity of the power line as it moves along the line,” said Ameren Illinois Lineworker Homer Collins. “It helps ensure our system is meeting the standards we expect for reliability.”
The new technology evaluates the steel core inside power lines, which is a key indicator of overall strength and reliability. Installed directly on the wire and controlled from the ground, the device scans the full length of the line to detect issues such as internal wear or potential defects that cannot be seen during traditional visual inspections.
Sub-transmission lines, typically carrying between 34.5 and 69 kilovolts of electricity, serve as a critical link between larger transmission systems and local distribution substations. Ensuring their reliability is essential to maintaining consistent service for homes and businesses.
Josh Macklin, maintenance and construction supervisor for Ameren Illinois, operated the LineVue unit from the ground and downloaded each power line scan from the unit onto his laptop.
“It gives us a real-time view of the circuit’s condition,” said Josh Macklin, maintenance and construction supervisor for Ameren Illinois. “This is a proactive approach that allows us to identify potential issues early and make data-driven decisions about maintenance.”
Unlike traditional inspection methods, which analyze select sections, LineVue evaluates every inch of the conductor span. This provides a more complete and highly accurate assessment of line health, helping the company identify precisely when upgrades are needed.
Ameren Illinois plans to expand use of the technology in the coming years as part of its Multi-Year Integrated Grid Plan. By using real-time data to guide investment decisions, the company aims to reduce outages, improve reliability and make cost-effective upgrades that ultimately benefit customers.
Link to video footage provided by Ameren Illinois:
