Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
||
| Reference Number | NIA_UKPN0042 | |
| Title | Storm Joint | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 80%; Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research(Environmental, social and economic impacts) 20%; |
|
| 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 UK Power Networks |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 October 2018 | |
| End Date | 01 November 2020 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £188,586 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , UK Power Networks (100.000%) |
| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , UK Power Networks (0.000%) |
|
| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_UKPN0042 |
|
| Objectives | In order to minimise the impact storms have on customers, a new temporary overhead line repair process that can be performed fully from the ground is to be trialled as part of the Storm Joint technical project. The new method involves using a specialist joint in combination with a pulley system to reconnect and lift the damaged conductors. First, one side of the broken conductor is extended to ensure that both ends can be pushed through the specialist joint. A pulley arrangement is then connected to both sides of the joint using OHL accessories like preforms and snap shackles. Finally, the rope connected to each pulley system is pulled on by a person which gradually lifts the conductor back to its original place. Using extendable OHL tools all excess conductor is cut off and both pulley systems are taken down. Additionally, testing, isolation and earthing the circuit will be achieved from the ground through the use of insulated extendable rods. This could allow any Storm Joint trained operational staff to restore customer supplies during a storm. The project aims to improve the storm recovery process and provide an alternative (cheaper) solution to deploying mobile generators as a temporary solution to restore electricity to customers. In order to minimise the disruption to normal business activities the trial will take place in the EPN area, however if successful could apply to all OHL networks. - The procedure, risk assessment, and user guidance will be created prior to BAU transition- Bespoke training course and video will be developed to ensure the repairs can be done during a storm- All of the trial equipment will be procured in time to allow training- Repair process will be optimised throughout the trial- Trial delivery strategy will be set upo Optimal storage location for equipmento Maintenance and inspection of equipmento Communication between Dispatch, Control, Emergency Planning and new repair teams- Repair process effectiveness will be evaluated and considered for BAU | |
| Abstract | Storms are known to cause a large volume of faults on electricity networks, many of which affect the high voltage (HV) overhead line (OHL) network. This results in area specific outages, which potentially leaves customers vulnerable and without electricity until a mobile generator can be connected, or repairs are carried out and the network is made safe. Due to the nature of overhead faults, currently only a select set of personnel (linesmen) are qualified to restore the network. Typically large parts of the network is affected under a storm situation, leaving the customers without electricity until trained resource becomes available to attend their area. | |
| Publications | (none) |
|
| Final Report | (none) |
|
| Added to Database | 15/12/22 | |
