Fujitsu and Chugoku Electric Power T&D sign IP licensing agreement to accelerate renewable energy integration and advance power transmission maintenance 

As the adoption of renewable energy continues to expand, power transmission and distribution companies are working to maximize the use of existing power transmission facilities while maintaining stable operation of the power system [2] . The capacity of transmission lines for safe power transmission varies with environmental conditions like temperature and wind speed. Traditionally, to protect transmission facilities, operations have been based on the transmission capacity under the worst-case conditions. However, dynamic line rating technology, which adjusts transmission capacity based on real-time environmental conditions, is now recognized as a key method for effectively utilizing transmission capacity while making the most of existing facilities.

Furthermore, there are concerns that conventional human-dependent maintenance operations, such as inspection and patrolling of power transmission facilities, will face operational challenges in the future due to a shrinking workforce. To address these challenges, initiatives are progressing to utilize digital technologies and drones to efficiently and accurately assess the condition of transmission facilities.

Fujitsu has developed technology to acquire and analyze vibration data across all spans of transmission lines using optical fiber sensing technology [3] with a single measuring device, as well as a technology platform for data management and AI analysis. To apply these technologies in a practical operational setting for power transmission and distribution companies, Fujitsu and Chugoku Electric Power T&D have conducted verification tests [4] since September 2021, focusing on expanding renewable energy adoption and enhancing power transmission facility maintenance operations.

The service integrates Chugoku Electric Power T&D's intellectual property, including its dynamic line rating technology and expertise in power transmission facility operation and maintenance, cultivated through verification tests and practical operations, with Fujitsu's optical fiber sensing, data analysis, and AI technologies. It acquires vibration data from optical fibers laid along transmission lines and uses environmental data, such as wind conditions around the transmission lines, derived from this vibration data, to calculate the available transmission capacity according to the real-time facility status. Furthermore, by training and inferring with AI using the acquired data, it becomes possible to predict future wind conditions around transmission lines and transmission capacity. These series of data acquisition, conversion, and prediction functions will be provided as the basic functions of this service.

In addition, the data obtained from the basic functions can be utilized to support power transmission and distribution companies in addressing various operational challenges. It supports the operational design and system construction for dynamic line rating technology, thereby reducing renewable energy curtailment and promoting efficient power utilization. Furthermore, wind condition data around transmission lines can guide drone flight feasibility and optimal route selection. By assessing facility conditions from vibration data, the service also facilitates labor-saving and advanced maintenance operations, moving beyond traditional on-site and human-dependent methods.

Fujitsu will offer this service to power transmission and distribution companies as part of its "AI Technologies and Solutions" offering under Uvance [5] , a business model focused on addressing societal challenges.

Fujitsu will continue to strengthen this service, including the application of generative AI, to achieve advanced maintenance operations from inspection to repair plan formulation, thereby contributing to the acceleration of digitalization in power infrastructure both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, under Uvance, Fujitsu will advance towards a sustainable and resilient society by enhancing social infrastructure through data and AI.
Chugoku Electric Power T&D will continue to advance its technology and accumulate expertise through practical operations, leading the expansion of renewable energy adoption and the sophistication of facility maintenance operations.