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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_NGET0100
Title	Reactive Power Exchange Application Capability Transfer (REACT)
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 Electricity North West Limited
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 May 2013
End Date	01 May 2015
Duration	24 months
Total Grant Value	£315,998
Industrial Sectors	Power
Region	North West
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , Electricity North West Limited (99.994%)
	Other Investigator	Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (0.001%) Project Contact , Scottish and Southern Energy plc (0.001%) Project Contact , SP Energy Networks (0.001%) Project Contact , UK Power Networks (0.001%) Project Contact , Northern Powergrid (0.001%) Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (0.001%)
Web Site	http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGET0100
Objectives	The key objectives are to determine: The key factors behind the significant decline in reactive power demand and the corresponding increase in the DNO system reactive power gain as observed at the Transmission/DNO interface (i.e. Grid Supply Point). During periods of minimum loading the reactive power demand has reduced from circa 7500 MVAr in 2005 to 2100 MVAr in 2013. The key factors behind the significant decline of the reactive to active power ratio (Q/P ratio) during periods of minimum demand. During the last 5 years, there has been a fall of 50% of the reactive power demand followed by a corresponding non-proportional fall of 15% of the active power demand. The relationship of all factors affecting the decline in reactive power demand at these interfaces during the same periods. The link to the upcoming requirements from the European Demand Connection Code changes expected in Demand Connection Code. The success criteria will consist of five progress reports with specific outputs, these include: A Four-month Report Selection of GSPs according to the adopted main criteria (see modelling approach)Analysis of GSPs based on National Grid data (i. e. , reactive power exchanges)Report on the extent of data gathered during the corresponding period Eight-month Report Initial results from the investigation of key factors affecting reactive power exchanges. This will be based on steady-state models of DNOs from GSPs to BSPs (or even primary substations depending on data availability). Report on the extent of data gathered during the corresponding period First Year Report Stage 1 A description of the key factors affecting the decline of reactive power demand. The extent that each factor is likely to change on a year by year basis. A summary of the likely change overall to reactive demand over the next 2 years. Second Year Six-month Report Production of suitable transmission and distribution network models to deliver further studies. Demand and generation characteristics and corresponding correlation with voltage profiles. Studies based on the above network models. Second Year Final report Stage 2Knowledge gap and operational database established for longer term forecast (up to 8 years). Summary of the likely change overall to reactive demand over the next 2 and 4 years. Automation of data capturing process inclusive of technological change and generation pattern. Estimation of potential investment based on the proposed forecast (next 2 and 4 years).
Abstract	In the last 2 years, there have been significant difficulties in managing voltage levels during minimum demand periods. Analysis of this issue has shown that the root cause is related to the significant decline in reactive power relative to active power. Whilst minimum active power demands have fallen by around 15% in the last 5 years, reactive power has declined by 50% in this time. Current trends for 2012 show that this reduction is continuing, broadly, across the country. In order to better understand the challenge of manage voltage levels within licence standards and to plan for additional future reactive compensation requirements, a thorough understanding of the reactive power trend needs to be developed. Evidence suggests that various factors may be causing a reduction in MVAr consumption during overnight periods. The report produced by The University of Manchester as part of a previous feasibility study highlighted the following factors: DG might have a significant role in decreasing the aggregated active power demand of a DNO during minimum demand periods. This potentially results in active power flows on Supergrid circuits below natural loading, increasing reactive power gain (injection). The same effect of DG on active power flows within the distribution network could also be resulting in significant reactive power gain from modern and more extensive cable and overhead line distribution networks. In addition, from the demand side, the aggregated reactive power compensation from large consumers combined with the perceived active power reduction from more energy efficient loads (e.g. , lighting, power electronic based appliances/devices, etc. ) are likely to also be contributing to the problem. In order to investigate the extent to which the factors above are relevant to understand the reactive power trends seen at GSP level, data and models are required..Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	05/12/18