Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_SSEN_0035 | |
| Title | Informed Lightning Protection | |
| 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) 90%; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences) 10%; |
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| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Project Contact No email address given Scottish and Southern Energy plc |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 March 2019 | |
| End Date | 01 March 2023 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £521,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | Scotland | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Scottish and Southern Energy plc (100.000%) |
| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Scottish and Southern Energy plc (0.000%) |
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| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_SSEN_0035 |
|
| Objectives | Lightning Development PhasesPhase 1a Data Analytics Pre-Execution Phase. This phase involves preparation work to ensure the execution phase runs smoothly. Specifically, it involves the following tasks Define model success criteria Create model requirements specification Provide Data Analytics Team (DAT) with necessary data sources required to implement functional requirements Perform data compatibility testing Perform GDPR & Security AssessmentPhase 1b Data Analytics Execution Phase. This is the actual analytical phase of the project, where a geospatial model is created to analyse various data inputs including: Lightning strike location data Customer number data Lightning IIS fault data Lightning Opex data Ground resistivity data GIS asset dataThe objective of this phase is to identify high risk areas or hot spots where lightning protection should be installed. Both probability of strike and impact of strike will be utilised in the identification process i.e. high-risk sites will not only be susceptible to lightning strikes, but also contain a significant number of customers that are at risk of experiencing a lightning related outage.Phase 2 Internal review of high risk sites: Once the high-risk sites have been identified, the specific sections of these circuits, identified for lightning protection, will be reviewed internally. This is to confirm they are suitable for protection e.g. confirm no investment is planned to take place that may address the lightning issue and to sense check that these are suitable for protection.Phase 3 Lightning protection procurement: Surge arresters will be installed on the network i.e. surge arresters with earth lead disconnects. Surge arresters with earth leads that disconnect can prevent outages from occurring if the surge arrester unit faults. This is a common occurrence that can lead to an unplanned outage.We will also consider the installation of novel surge arresters, such as those with drop out mounts, that are able to prevent the need for unplanned outages after the arrester is spent or reaches end of life.Phase 4 Installation: Lightning protection equipment will be installed in locations defined by the data analytics model.Phase 5 Monitoring & Analysing: Weekly monitoring of IIS and strike data will take place, possibly moving to fortnightly or monthly depending on the value of frequent monitoring. Annual reporting will take place detailing lightning strike frequency and IIS costs on selected locations. Any learning will also be detailed here e.g. faulty equipment, issues, etc.Phase 6 Reporting, Dissemination & Closedown: learnings derived from the project will be used to create new policy and processes on lighting protection investment methodology. Any learning will be shared with the wider DNO community. Only 11kV and 33kV circuits will be protected. Protection will target lightning related faults only. Development of the lightning model is for analytical purposes only. Results will be reviewed over a four-year period, but this time scale can be shortened if objectives are met earlier. 1) Develop a point in time lightning analysis tool that can be used to locate lightning protection equipment in the most optimal way i.e. integrate various data sets and update visual display as described in phase 1a and 1b above.2) Install lightning protection equipment in optimal locations provided by the lightning analysis tool.3) Monitor and analyse fault data to confirm effectiveness of lightning protection.4) Update internal policies and procedures if the project is successful.5) Share learnings with wider audience. | |
| Abstract | Lightning strikes are known to cause a significant number of supply interruptions to our customers. In our Scottish Network, lighting strikes are the second highest cause of customer interruptions and minutes lost and in our Southern Network it is the fifth highest cause. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the impact that lighting related faults have on our customers. | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 14/12/22 | |
