Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SSEPD_0006 | |
| Title | Impact of Electrolysers on the Distribution Network | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 50%; Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Hydrogen production) 50%; |
|
| 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 Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD) |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 October 2013 | |
| End Date | 01 April 2016 | |
| Duration | 30 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £165,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | Scotland | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD) (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SSEPD_0006 |
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| Objectives | Objectives: 1) demonstrate and understand safe and efficient connection and operation of electrolysers and their impact on the system; 2) develop operational strategies to minimise the potential impact of electrolysers on the network; 3) identify the potential to provide other network services. Success Criteria 1: Development of operational practices and commercial arrangements to support the system implementation and operation. Success Criteria 2: Identification of the extent to which an electrolyser can be controlled to minimise its impact on the network and if it can be used as a tool to manage issues caused by other disruptive technologies. Success Criteria 3: Production and dissemination of learning around the expected operation of electrolysers, their impact on the network and strategies to deal with any impact. | |
| Abstract | The primary problem addressed is the increased network investment required to accommodate additional demand from the potential future volume of electrolysers connected to the network. We anticipate they will have a cumulative impact similar to EVs but with more focus on the HV network. A UK Government study (UKH2Mobility) anticipates this could add up to 350MW of new demand by 2030. Based on current estimates from DECC/Ofgem Smart Grid Forum Work Stream 3 transform model, this could result in over £160m of network reinforcement. This increase in the number of electrolysers, while presenting a demand growth challenge in its own right, is likely to appear alongside other disruptive low carbon technologies e. g. heat pumps. The use of electrolysers to provide a network service could be a method of managing some of the challenges posed by these other devices. Problem 1 - There is limited understanding on the technical characteristics of a hydrogen electrolyser and the factors that will influence their potential location. Problem 2 - There is limited information on the actual performance of electrolyser systems and their impact on the electrical network, in particular their likely demand profiles. Problem 3 There in no information on the ability of an electrolyser to act as controllable demand to allow comparison with other methods of demand management. Problem 4 - There is no information on the contractual or technical integration of the electrolyser equipment with the electrical network in order to mitigate its unmanaged potential impact i.e. to understand the extent to which electrolysers have the potential to offer a service to the network operator to help manage and alleviate other network constraints Both technical and commercial methods will apply learning gained elsewhere e. g. from SHEPD’s Orkney smart grid, and from the NINES project on Shetland. We will also engage with other DNOs and appropriate experts in this area to learn from their experiences. Method 1 - Working with the Electrolyser Operator to investigate applicable codes, standards and regulations which need to be factored into the siting decision. Electrical and constraint modelling to identify network impact based on manufacturer-stated characteristics. Consultation with internal and external parties relating to consenting process to capture learning from site identification and consenting process. Method 2 - Analytical comparison of a variety of scenarios for the connection and running of the electrolyser will be used to understand the impact on the electricity distribution network. Trials will be undertaken to monitor and assess the electrolyser’s response to real and simulated network conditions. Investigation and summation of applicable learning from past projects and various suppliers to quantify the expected performance and value of the network service. Method 3 - Develop further operational scenarios using ANM system to investigate how the impact of electrolysers on the electricity network can be minimised. Method 4 - Evaluate trial results to assess what potential electrolysers have to provide other network services.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 21/08/18 | |
