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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_WPD_066
Title	Smart Meter Innovations and Test Network (SMITN)
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 Western Power Distribution (WPD) - East Midlands
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 March 2022
End Date	31 March 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£914,771
Industrial Sectors	Power
Region	East Midlands
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (WPD) - East Midlands (99.997%)
	Other Investigator	Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (WPD) - South Wales (0.001%) Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (WPD) - South West (0.001%) Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (WPD) - West Midlands (0.001%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_WPD_066
Objectives	The project will resolve the issue of missing or incorrect data for LV networks via a series of work packages. The first work package will determine the test area to be used including substations of different types intended to reflect the variety of our service areas. It also includes researching the algorithms available using smart meter data to address the issues, select those that are appropriate and propose amendments to take into account the data available. The research into available algorithms will include a workshop with other DNOs to avoid duplicating the work that has already taken place in this area such as the work from Scottish Powers NCEWS project (Network Constraint Early Warning System) which has been reflected in their NAVI platform. In order to be certain that the data for the test network is correct, a phase survey will confirm the phase to which customers are associated. This work package also covers determining and setting up the data processing architecture to be used during the project. Data processing to evaluate the algorithms will take place in a custom built environment provided with suitable data from WPD systems, survey results, monitoring data and smart meter data. The data processing environment is then validated by GHD to ensure that the algorithms have been set up correctly. Smart meter load data will be aggregated to avoid privacy issues but where possible these aggregation groups will involve smaller sections of LV feeders than previously used. Similarly voltage data will be captured at MPAN level to determine whether this can provide valuable insights. Work Packages 2-4 apply the algorithms to the defined test network for phase identification, low carbon technology detection and to create estimates for feeder and distribution substation load that can be compared to data from site monitoring. This will reflect the methods used for settlement of non-half hourly metered customers as well as incorporating the available smart meter data. Each work package will create a report capturing the learning. Work Package 5 includes the development of the feeder finder tool so that it can be used on another survey to confirm the feeders to which customers are associated without requiring access within customers premises. Once developed and tested this feeder finder tool will be used to carry out a survey of part of the test network to allow the feeder association algorithm to be evaluated. Finally Work Package 6 involves gathering the learning together from the separate work packages to create a final report before delivering a dissemination event.   The scope of the project involves investigating and applying algorithms that use smart meter data for the following use cases. 1) Customer to Phase connection prediction.2) Customer to Feeder connection prediction.3) Low Carbon Technology identification of potential locations and types.4) Provision of LV feeder and Distribution substation planning profiles for use in network planning. It the project is successful, it will lead to improvements in data quality and availability which will then allow for;1) More accurate planning by modelling unbalanced three phased networks. 2) Reduced losses through better phase selection for new connections.3) Reduced fuse operations from imbalanced phases.4) Enhanced data available for LV Fault Location.5) Improved IIS reporting.6) Reduction of sites that require monitoring and more effective targeting of. 7) Reduced costs toconfirm customer phase.8) Identifying and fixing data errors ahead of need.9) Enabling LV self-serve facilities.10) Improved use of our data by third parties.The financial benefits from these improved outcomes is approximately £740k per annum within WPDs licence areas made up of;Savings from reduced losses when connections are made to existing networks estimated assuming 20,00 connections each year to existing unbalanced networks and a 10% reduction of losses resulting from reduced imbalance. (approx. 11k).A reduction in fuse operations by improved management of phase imbalance and altering fuses where this is seen via modelling to be a high risk resulting in approx. £79 k per annum saving based on 100 events a year at £790 each. A reduction in excavating at inaccurately identified fault locations due to incorrect customer connectivity saving approx. £340k per annum assuming that this is avoided 200 times a year at a cost of £1.7k per event.A reduction in the cost of monitoring the network by having better data to better select locations where monitoring is required and being able to omit some locations where monitoring is not required. The objectives of the project are; 1) To determine a representative test network of selected distribution substations and validate the key features of this network by carrying out surveys. 2) To capture smart meter data using new aggregation groups.3) To develop algorithms using smart meter data for the following use cases. - Customer to Phase connection prediction.- Customer to Feeder connection prediction.- Low Carbon Technology identification of potential locations and types.- Provision of LV feeder and Distribution substation planning profiles for use in network planning. 4) To apply the algorithms for data relating to the test network. 5) To assess the performance of the algorithms and where possible identify the factors that affect accuracy.6) To capture the learning from the project and disseminate this to interested parties.
Abstract	SMITN uses aggregated half hourly load data and MPAN specific voltage data within algorithms to determine customer phase and feeder connectivity, detect Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) and generate feeder and substation profiles for planning purposes. The algorithms are applied on a test network where phase and feeder connectivity has been validated by a physical survey using an existing phase identification unit and a feeder finder developed as part of the project. As smart meter data availability improves this offers a means to improve LV network data, improving the accuracy of planning and enabling better use of monitoring equipment.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	14/10/22