Startup amplifies power line capabilities through cooling innovation
AssetCool, a groundbreaking UK-based startup, has engineered a photonic coating for power lines that could revolutionise the energy sector. The innovative coating reflects solar radiation and emits heat, helping to cool off power lines and increase their capacity by up to 30%.
The potential value of this capacity increase is significant, particularly in light of skyrocketing energy demand. AssetCool's approach to power line cooling is referred to as "static line uprating," and it could provide a cost-effective solution to the issue of thermal constraints on power lines.
Many conductors have an upper temperature limit of around 80 degrees Celsius (176 Fahrenheit), which limits their current capacity. By allowing conductors to operate at lower temperatures with the same current level, AssetCool's coating increases current capacity, making it an attractive proposition for potential customers.
Niall Coogan, AssetCool's co-founder and CEO, stated that the coating works particularly well with advanced conductors. He also highlighted the intersection of material science and robotics for power lines as "huge," with a "pretty endless series of tasks and issues" that AssetCool can begin to resolve.
The main challenge for AssetCool moving forward is operational rollout at scale. However, the startup has active but undisclosed pilot projects and plans a multi-step entry into the US market.
AssetCool is pursuing a hybrid revenue model, including project-based services and partnerships with EPC contractors. The company has already deployed its robots for tens of kilometers of lines in Canada, South Asia, and Europe, with plans to increase this to hundreds of kilometers in the next few months.
The coating developed by AssetCool can also be used in combination with dynamic line rating and reconductoring. Additionally, it has the potential to mitigate power lines' noise, which is a problem in heavily populated areas.
Recently, AssetCool announced the closing of a $13.6 million (10 million GBP) Series A funding round led by Energy Impact Partners. This funding will support the startup's growth and development as it continues to innovate in the power line cooling sector.
However, it's important to note that other methods to solve power lines' capacity and temperature challenges exist. These include replacing lines with larger or more advanced ones, such as carbon core advanced conductors, or dynamic line rating using sensors and machine learning. However, these methods are costly and time-consuming, or still tied to weather conditions.
In conclusion, AssetCool's innovative coating could be a game-changer in the power line industry. With its potential to increase capacity, reduce noise, and improve efficiency, it's an exciting development that could help meet the growing demand for energy in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.
