Transmission-line coupled heat-dissipation device with an assembly of one or more controllable fins

1. A heat-dissipation device adapted for dissipating heat generated by transmission lines of a power transmission system in use to transport electric power from one place to another, the heat-dissipation device comprising:

a heat-acquisition element configured to absorb heat from a portion of a live transmission line of the power transmission system; and

an assembly of one or more controllable fins thermally coupled to the heat-acquisition element and configured to dissipate at least a portion of the heat absorbed by the heat-acquisition element wherein, the one or more controllable fins include a controllable fin that with respect to wind flow preferentially extends in an orientation that reduces wind drag.

2. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the power transmission system includes a high-voltage power transmission system.

3. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the power transmission system includes a power distribution system.

4. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the transmission line includes an overhead transmission line.

5. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the heat-acquisition element is configured to be thermally coupled with a portion of a live transmission line and to absorb heat from the portion of the live transmission line.

6. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the heat-acquisition element is configured to be disposed substantially parallel to a portion of a live transmission line and to absorb heat from the portion of the live transmission line.

7. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the heat-acquisition element is integral to a structure of a conductor of the live transmission line.

8. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the heat-acquisition element is configured as discrete unit attachable to the live transmission line.

9. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllable fins includes one or more controllable fins attached to or extending from the heat-acquisition unit.

10. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllable fins include a fin having a controllable orientation or controllable extent relative to the heat-acquisition element.

11. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllable fins are shaped to mitigate electric field enhancement or corona discharge.

12. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllable fins are made of a metallic or a thermally-conductive material.

13. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllable fins are made of high conductivity diamond-like materials.

14. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllable fins include a plurality of controllable fins extending in substantially different directions.

15. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the assembly of one or more controllable fins is translationally movable along the power line.

16. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more controllable fins includes a controllable fin that with respect to wind flow preferentially extends in an orientation that enhances convective cooling.

17. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more fins are arranged so that in a retracted position they are faired into the transmission line or a supporting tape to minimize wind drag.

18. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more fins include an electrically insulative material with a high thermal conductivity.

19. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more fins include a metallic material with an electrically insulative exterior coating.

20. The heat-dissipation device of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator configured to change an orientation or extent of a fin of the one or more controllable fins relative to the heat-acquisition element.

21. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to automatically change an orientation or extent of a fin relative to the heat-acquisition element.

22. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to change an orientation or extent of a fin of the one or more controllable fins relative to the heat-acquisition element in response to a controller.

23. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator includes an electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical actuator.

24. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to rotate a fin of the one or more controllable fins into a selected wind orientation or withdraw an extended fin toward the heat-acquisition element in response to a wind load on the live transmission line.

25. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to rotate a fin of the one or more controllable fins into a selected wind orientation or extend a fin in response to an absence of a wind load on the live transmission line.

26. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to rotate a fin of the one or more controllable fins into a selected wind orientation or extend a fin in response to a need for heat dissipation by the live transmission line.

27. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to rotate a fin of the one or more controllable fins into a selected wind orientation or withdraw an extended fin toward the heat-acquisition element in response to an absence of a need for heat dissipation by the live transmission line.

28. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to extend a retractable fin of the one or more controllable fins out of the heat-acquisition element if the need for heat dissipation by the live transmission line is high or if the wind load is low.

29. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is configured to withdraw a retractable fin of the one or more controllable fins into the heat-acquisition element if the need for heat dissipation by the live transmission line is low or if the wind load is high.

30. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is temperature driven.

31. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is inductively powered by line current.

32. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is powered by one or more of solar, wind, and primary battery power sources.

33. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is activated by a meteorological sensor including at least one sensor chosen from a temperature sensor and a wind velocity sensor.

34. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is controlled remotely via wireless or transmission line-conducted signals.

35. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is communicatively coupled to the heat-dissipating structure, temperature sensors, anemometers, remote controllers, processors, or users via at least one link chosen from a wireless link and a wired link.

36. The heat-dissipation device of claim 20 , wherein the actuator is coupled to a back-up power unit that provides power for fail-safe retraction of fins.

37. A method of dissipating heat generated by transmission lines of a power transmission system configured to transmit electrical power from one place to another, the method comprising:

transmitting electric power over a transmission line of the power transmission system from one place to another;

maintaining a heat-acquisition element of a heat-dissipating structure in thermal contact with the transmission line, the heat-dissipating structure including an assembly of one or more controllable fins attached to or extending from a base; and

changing an orientation or an extent of a fin of the one or more controllable fins relative to the heat-acquisition element in response to a heat dissipation requirement by the transmission line.

38. The method of claim 37 , further comprising;

initiating the change in an orientation or extent of a fin of the one or more controllable fins in response to a temperature condition of the transmission line.

39. The method of claim 37 , further comprising;

initiating the change in an orientation or extent of a fin of the one or more controllable fins in response to an environmental parameter influencing a temperature condition of the transmission line.