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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/X025659/1
Title Grid Forming hybrid Transformer for future distribution Grids (GIFhT-4-eGrids)
Status Started
Energy Categories Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electric power conversion) 50%;
Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 50%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 50%;
Applied Research and Development 50%;
Science and Technology Fields ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr m s Dahidah
No email address given
Sch of Engineering
Newcastle University
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 10 July 2023
End Date 09 July 2026
Duration 36 months
Total Grant Value £462,369
Industrial Sectors Energy
Region North East
Programme Energy and Decarbonisation
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr m s Dahidah , Sch of Engineering, Newcastle University (99.999%)
  Other Investigator Dr C Patsios , Electrical, Electronic & Computer Eng, Newcastle University (0.001%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Northern Powergrid (0.000%)
Project Contact , Turbo Power Systems Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Carroll & Meynell Transformers Ltd (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract This proposal suggests to investigate the use of Grid-Forming Hybrid Transformers (GIFhT) with more advanced control and optimized power electronics to open the prospect of greater flexibility through active network control and the collection of rich data about grid operations.The UK is committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and therefore the electricity grid will have to cope with the predicted deployment of millions of electrified transport and heating systems. Meeting this unprecedented energy demand will require significant uptake in renewable energy and an increase in both capacity and flexibility of energy networks to deliver the extra demand. On the other hand, the growth in renewable generation and energy storage is changing the nature of power flows in distribution networks, setting tremendous challenges for Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to meet.The proposed GIFhT merges the traditional Low-Frequency Transformer (LFT) with partially-rated modern Power Electronics Modules (PEM). The proposed concept blends the robustness, high power efficiency, and low cost of LFT with the extensive versatility of PEM.The GIFhT concept will be delivered with two approaches, (i) Bespoke design, where GIFhT concept will be given complete freedom to the hardware specifications; including both the magnetic and power electronics designs. This approach aims at unlocking the full potentials of the GIFhT concept, delivering maximum benefits to the network operators when fully replacing existing distribution grid assets. (ii) Retrofit design, which will instead be looking at convenient upgrade solutions to existing distribution transformers; sacrificing potential performance with an answer to the immediate demand for network upgrades at minimal costs and disruptions.
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 02/08/23