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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number NIA_UKPN0023
Title Harmonic Effect on Network Assets (HENA)
Status Completed
Energy Categories Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 100%;
Research Types Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Project Contact
No email address given
Eastern Power Networks plc
Award Type Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source Ofgem
Start Date 01 March 2017
End Date 01 June 2018
Duration 15 months
Total Grant Value £441,000
Industrial Sectors Power
Region London
Programme Network Innovation Allowance
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Project Contact , Eastern Power Networks plc (99.998%)
  Other Investigator Project Contact , UK Power Networks (0.001%)
Project Contact , South Eastern Power Networks plc (0.001%)
Web Site http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_UKPN0023
Objectives The aims of the project are to: Understand the impact of harmonics on network assets; Estimate the cost benefit of harmonic management/reinforcement versus harmonic levels; and Validate the above using testing where possible. The project will be deemed successful if: The impact of harmonics on network assets (limited to those assets assessed in the project) is quantified; It provides evidence to review the applicability of existing harmonic planning levels and determine the risk associated with exceeding them; and A guidance document on the effect of harmonics on various assets/equipment, including losses, has been published.
Abstract DNOs’ current understanding of harmonics is limited to the procedures specified in engineering recommendations such as ER G5/4-1. That document, and those supporting it such as Engineering Technical Report 122 and G97, identify how network assessment should be undertaken and the limits that should be applied. What these documents do not explain are the risks and costs for both the DNO and their customers associated with exceeding the harmonic limits. Reinforcing the network to tackle power quality (PQ) issues carries significant costs and in some instances may be the only solution available to minimise harmonic distortion. Adding harmonic filters where required can introduce additional issues such as change in the harmonic resonance of the circuit to which they are applied; effectively solving one problem whilst creating others. Understanding the impact of harmonics on network equipment and losses will help DNOs make informed decisions on how they wish to operate their networks and manage harmonic issues. It will also highlight the areas on the network they should prioritise for circuits most effected by harmonics and inform how reinforcement budgets may be most effectively utilised. A revision to G5/4-1 is currently underway which will reassess the planning limits stated within the document and also places a requirement on DNO to measure to the 100th harmonic. The ability to measure the 100th harmonic is subject to debate, as most voltage transformers (VTs) will not respond above 20th harmonic order. Given the costs associated with meeting this requirement it is envisaged that the work undertaken as part of this project will help to support whether measurement to 100th harmonic is necessary. The learning is also likely to be of interest to the G5/4-1 working group as it will validate (or otherwise) the planning limits that are published within the revised document. This project will establish the effects of varying levels of power quality on a selection of important network assets/equipment in-terms of power-losses/heating, malfunction and operational-life. The effect on customer’s equipment such as transformers will also be considered, to understand the extent to which the gap between planning levels and compatibility levels can be narrowed without degradation to lifetime or functionality of this equipment. Further, where applicable, the project will examine the potential effect of customer equipment on harmonic attenuation/amplificationNote : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
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Added to Database 20/08/18