Demonstrating the Benefits of Monitoring Low Voltage Network with Embedded PV Panels and EV Charging Point

Completed

Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Environmental, social and economic impacts)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Systems Analysis related to energy R&D (Other Systems Analysis)
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Consumer attitudes and behaviour)

Project Contact
Scottish and Southern Energy plc

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 September 2010

01 October 2011

ENA months

£320,000

Power

Scotland

Project Contact, Scottish and Southern Energy plc

This project aims to demonstrate the installation of cost-effective 11kV LV substation monitoring devices with zero / low CML losses. The technology and methodology of installation is expected to be applicable to most GB DNO secondary substations. The insight gained from this project on LV network performance, with or without PV and EV charging connection, is expected to lead to improved usage of the distribution system, facilitating the connection of PV and EVs and bringing benefits for the planning of future low carbon network. Project objectives are as follows: Demonstrate a no (or low) Customer Minutes Lost (CML) retro-fit 11kV LV substation monitoring solutionAnalyse the data on LV feeders to understand the performance of the LV networkAssess the impact of PV system and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging behaviour on the networkIdentify the additional capacity of connecting PV panels and EV charging points on the LV feederAssessment of multiple monitoring productsDevelop modes of operation for the transmission of data to suit a control room requirement

This project will introduce 11kV Low Voltage (LV) substation monitoring, to obtain directional energy usage data over a period of 12 months. SE has funded a development of ten zero carbon homes at Slough. Each property has Photovoltaic (PV) tiles installed with 63kW output in total. An all-electric Ford car will also be shared between residents. Domestic monitoring devices have been installed to monitor the energy performance of the homes for 24 months. The findings will contribute to studies being carried out by University of Reading, NHBC (National House-Building Council) and BRE (Building Research Establishment). This Tier 1 project will introduce 11kV LV substation monitoring to obtain directional energy usage data over a period of 12 months. The substation monitoring will make use of air-gap Current Transformers (CTs), intended for retro-fit involving no (or low) CML impact. These CT sensors have not previously been deployed in GB but the technology has been deployed in North America. The trial is limited to the two feeders at a 11kV/ LV substation in Chalvey. This will enable comparison between the feeders with and without the PV and EV charging connection. The project duration has been chosen to allow time for installation, commissioning, data monitoring, collection and analysis.

14/12/22