Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_WPD_014 | |
| Title | LV Connect & Manage | |
| 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 |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 April 2016 | |
| End Date | 01 April 2019 | |
| Duration | 36 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £1,675,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | South West | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_WPD_014 |
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| Objectives | The objectives of this project are to trial and demonstrate the following: Broadband over powerline, providing the communications solution between distribution substations and customers (enabling the bi-directional power flow control of LCTs)ANM solutions with intelligence distributed into the LV network to monitor and control LCTs in realtime and optimize import / export patterns within operational limits ANM solutions, as a short or long term alternative to network reinforcement, in areas where network constraints are becoming a problem due to the localized uptake of LCTs New business processes, based on proven, off-the-shelf technology, which can be quickly and costeffectively deployed to connect and manage LV customers’ LCTs. Demonstration of the active management of low carbon technologies (energy storage and electric vehicles) by controlling load profiles and alleviating electricity network constraints. Development of a replicable architecture for the LV ANM solution, which can be utilised by WPD in their other Licence Areas and by other DNOs, more generally. Development of novel business processes for deploying ANM technologies into LV networks. (This will include the specification and development of an installation guide for the LV ANM technologies). | |
| Abstract | Network reinforcement can be too expensive and too time-bound to respond to low carbon technology (LCT) connections on the low voltage (LV) network, particularly if rapid clustering occurs (such as with electric vehicles and PV installations). Due to uncertainties in volume, location and type of LV connections, it is not possible or efficient for WPD to plan network reinforcement ahead of need. However, when the need does arise, network reinforcement (traditional base-case solution) can be too expensive and can take too long to deploy, delaying customers’ connections to the network. A comparison of PV installations registered for the FiT and with WPD data shows only ~60% match in notified LV connections. Despite forecasting, there is still a lot of uncertainty as connections might not materialise or might materialise in more abundance than expected. Technology for LV ANM, which extends communications and controls to customers’ meters and is able to deal with bi-directional power flows, is still unproven and needs to be trialled by WPD in a low-risk way, to assess whether or not this option is a viable alternative to network reinforcement. This project will demonstrate and prove that LV ANM can be used as a short-term measure, whilst network reinforcement takes place, to facilitate the timely connection of customers. The solution can then be redeployed to another area when the need case arises. Moreover, the ANM solution provides a long-term alternative to network reinforcement in cases where the investment in traditional assets is not economically viable or other reasons (such as the disruption to customers) prevents reinforcement taking place. In order to maintain the highest standard to service to its customers, WPD plans to connect them as quickly and cost-effectively as possible and then actively manage them, once connected. The LV Connect and Manage Method involve the deployment of communications and control infrastructure to allow LCTs to connect to the network in a timely manner and be managed in an active way. This will involve, limiting the power exported by LCTs to the network at times of LV network congestion or increasing the power demand of LCTs (heat pumps, energy storage and/or EVs) to keep the network within technical limits. The LV Connect and Manage Method will be delivered in three phases: Mobilisation (including the procurement of equipment and services, and production of the customer engagement and data protection plans. Connect and Manage Trials (including the recruitment of customers to participate in the trial and the installation of equipment in customers’ premises and WPD’s distribution substations). Analysis and Close Down (including the analysis of results from trials and an evaluation of the LV Connect and Manage solution).Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 31/08/18 | |
