Tie-line

A tie-line, in the context of power grids and electrical systems, is a transmission line connecting two or more electrical power systems. Its primary function is to facilitate the exchange of electrical power between these systems. This allows for sharing of generation resources, enhancing grid reliability by providing backup power during emergencies, and enabling economic optimization by allowing power to be transferred from regions with lower generation costs to regions with higher costs. The power flow on a tie-line is carefully controlled to manage system stability and voltage levels.

Tie-line meaning with examples

• During a heatwave, the utility increased power transfer on its tie-lines to import electricity from neighboring states, meeting the surge in consumer demand and preventing potential blackouts.
• A sudden generator failure in one region led to a rapid increase in power flow on the tie-lines connecting it to adjacent regions, averting a cascading system collapse.
• Power grid operators closely monitor the power flow on tie-lines to ensure that electricity is flowing efficiently and that stability margins are maintained across the interconnected systems.
• The strategic placement of new tie-lines is vital for bolstering grid resilience and improving overall system efficiency.
• The economic dispatch algorithms optimize power transfers across tie-lines to minimize the overall cost of electricity production across the interconnected systems.