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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_UKPN0043
Title	Faraday Grid Deployment Trial
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Other Power and Storage Technologies 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 UK Power Networks
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 October 2018
End Date	01 October 2021
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£534,985
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_UKPN0043
Objectives	The project will follow three stages:1. A trial and monitoring deployment of this technology across our three networks, to verify the successful and reliable operation of the FE.2. Modelling of different sizes of FEs, comparing results with standard transformers (500kVA, 3-phase) Commercial model for the deployment of FEs with a larger penetration on our networks and the commercialisation of wider benefits that include system balancing.Commercial model for the deployment of FEs with a larger penetration on our networks and the commercialisation of wider benefits that include system balancing. The project will be looking to trial/monitor a deployment of the FE technology (circa seven units), utilising power electronics, across our three networks to verify the successful and reliable operation of the FE. Additional consideration will be given to the development of a commercial model for deployment at scale. The objectives of the project are:- To verify the successful installation and reliable operation of the FE on live networks-To compare the performance of 500kVA 3-phase FEs with standard transformers and with FGLs own feasibility study results (see Success Criteria)To consider options for a commercial model for the larger scale deployment of FEs within the EPN, SPN and LPN networks, including consideration of the wider benefits of the new technology such as system balancing.
Abstract	Transformers are fundamental assets on electricity networks that have facilitated the development and growth of AC transmission and distribution networks. Though the asset technology has matured over time, with numerous established market players investing in its R&D, the conventional design may no longer be sufficient to tackle the challenges of the changing energy landscape at the lowest possible cost.With the increasing penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), networks require an enhanced toolkit to manage their system effectively. Though numerous innovation projects have been developed around different asset types to maximise their utilisation and potential to facilitate balancing services, transformer design has remained relatively stable. Some potential issues that may be associated with transformers include:-With increasing volume of generation and demand connected to the distribution network, transformers may need to be scaled up (MVA capacity) and replaced before the end of their life- Network losses and carbon footprint associated with a conventional transformer will increase with an increase in MVA capacity.- Conventional transformers were not designed with balancing and flexibility provision in mind.Faraday Grid Limited (FGL) is developing a product called Faraday Exchanger (FE); this is an innovative device, which occupies the position of a traditional transformer in the network. An FE provides the traditional functionality of a transformer and could potentially provide:- Voltage control over a much broader range of variation - Removal of harmonics- Correction of power factor- Phase-balancingFurthermore, FEs have the potential to address many of the challenges faced by licensees in a more cost-effective manner than has previously been thought possible, including:- Improving congestion management- Increasing availability and network capacity-Increasing the ability of the network to manage higher levels of EV deployment, including Vehicle-to-Grid-Increasing renewables capacity-Reducing network lossesThe aim of this project is to trial a small number of FEs to assess the potential benefits described above.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	14/12/22