Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_WPD_015 | |
| Title | Superconducting Cables - Network Feasibility Study | |
| 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 |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 May 2016 | |
| End Date | 01 July 2017 | |
| Duration | 14 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £95,000 | |
| 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_015 |
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| Objectives | This project is a feasibility study with the aim to improve knowledge of the technology’s benefits, challenges and costs to determine whether a demonstration project is appropriate. A comprehensive review of superconducting cable technology is presented. A case study of how the technology can bring benefits to WPD’s networks is demonstrated and a relationship with manufacturers has been established. A viable pathway leading to a trial project is recommended where full details of capital and operating costs is documented. | |
| Abstract | The increasing number of electricity distribution networks reaching their capacity limits means that the need for network reinforcement will continue to grow. Reinforcing our networks using conventional approaches involves among others, building new electricity substations and installing additional transformers at the sites where capacity needs to be enhanced. This is incredibly challenging in urban environments due to limited land availability and high costs, creating the need to investigate alternative solutions. The problem can be solved by installing new transformers or substations where it is easy to do so and then transferring their capacity to the networks that need it. Due to their high efficiency, small volume and high capacity, superconducting cables are an attractive solution for connecting new equipment to the physically remote networks that require the additional capacity. In this project, a feasibility study will be performed to determine whether such an implementation should be considered. The project will consist of the following 3 work packages: 1. Review of superconducting cable technologies (3 months) This involves a comprehensive Cost Benefit Analysis of different superconducting cable technologies and comparison to traditional cable solutions. As part of this work package a number of manufacturers will be asked to provide information on their products including their benefits and limitations, the installation, operational and repair procedures and their capital and operational costs. The learning from previous trial projects will also be captured. 2. A case study of installing a demonstration cable in WPD’s networks (6 months)In this work package, a site for the possible installation of a trial superconducting cable in WPD’s network will be selected and a detailed study will be undertaken to justify the selection of the site, explain the installation procedures and requirements and present the costs. The study will also consider the future requirements of the installation including operational procedures, maintenance, response to faults, repair and modelling of installation in WPD’s power system analysis tools. Finally, all of the aspects of the proposed implementation will be compared to a conventional solution to provide clear conclusions. 3. Learning overview and recommendations (3 months) The final work package will provide an overview of the learning that was captured in the previous two stages of the study and based on the outputs recommendations will be made for a network trial.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 | 14/12/18 | |
