On-line assessment of neutral conductor integrity

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Electricity North West Limited

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 April 2021

31 March 2023

ENA months

£625,000

Power

North West

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, Electricity North West Limited

This project will investigate whether data can be collected from the LV network and used for early detection of neutral degradation, and if possible, the location of an open circuit neutral condition. The project will define any other data required to facilitate the analysis and how this data can be collected. An initial algorithm will be developed to carry out the analysis automatically and provide a report to the Electricity North West control room. Consideration will be given to any changes required to existing business processes. The project will be split into two phases:Phase 1: a desktop study to understand the different LV cable types, failure mechanisms for the neutral conductor and types of data required, including use of Smart Meter data, to enable detection.**Stage Gate – at the end of phase 1 a decision will be made as to whether the method is viable and the project can continue to phase 2Phase 2: develop and test a detection algorithm in a real network environment with a view to incorporating the algorithm in fault identification and location processes, including consideration of changes to existing business processes. To develop a tool that DNOs can use to analyse LV monitoring data to enable the early detection of neutral degradation on the LV networks.

An open circuit neutral on an LV cable, can lead to a severe voltage rise on the earth terminals at a customers property. This, in turn, can cause damage to customers wiring and appliances and represents a public safety hazard because elevated voltages are transferred onto exposed metallic parts. A broken neutral cannot be detected by traditional LV protection and we rely on customers to notify us of the symptoms of the issue. Automatic detection of an open circuit neutral, or if possible, indication that degradation is occurring, and a break may be likely to happen, together with indication of location, would allow a faster and much improved response for our customers and reduce the likelihood of equipment damage and potential for harm. This project will investigate whether data can be collected from the LV network and used for early detection of neutral degradation, and if possible, the location of an open circuit neutral condition.

14/10/22