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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_UKPN0062
Title	Radio Teleprotection
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 UK Power Networks
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 August 2020
End Date	01 August 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£438,000
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_UKPN0062
Objectives	There are recent developments in VHF (very high frequency) and UHF (ultra high frequency) radio equipment and spectrum plans which may allow non-LoS radio to be used for modern teleprotection. The key is to identify radios with suitable characteristics and compatible spectrum plans. Whilst the intention is to use existing equipment and spectrum on the market, the arrangement and configuration of the equipment and spectrum will be new and innovative. It will bring together existing components in a new way to meet this specific need.The method is technical, and is as follows: Stage 1 – Identify candidate technical solutions Confirm the feasibility of using current UHF and/or VHF radios on licenced spectrum to operate on non-Line of Sight paths while remaining compliant with modern protection service requirements. Stage 2 – Bench testsCarry out bench tests to validate the performance of the radios under laboratory conditions. Stage 3 – Field Trials and Monitoring Run an trial – install at least 3 links using the identified radio technology, in three locations. Monitor the radio using remote data collectors, and produce reports of performance to identify seasonal degradation or other phenomena. Stage 4 – Benefits Assessment and BAU IncorporationCarry out Benefits Assessment, understand where and when the solution can be applied, produce and update the required engineering documents, engage with business users to ensure they are updated on the solution, and identify sourcing strategy for the radio solution. Stage 5 – DecommissioningRemoval of un-used hardware to minimise maintenance burden and reduce likelihood of hazards developing on site.At the end of the first and second stages, a stage review is planned to ensure the solution is suitable before progressing. 1. Stage 1 – Identify candidate technical solutionsIdentify theoretically suitable radio equipment and spectrum plans, including:- Performance against relevant ENA Technical Specifications; - Summary of limitations and failure modes; and- Review of spectrum plans and predicted availability.2. Stage 2 – Bench TestVerify performance of radio system in laboratory environment, focussing on:- Performance against relevant ENA Technical Specifications.  3. Stage 3 – Field Trials and MonitoringVerify the radios for teleprotection by installing trial links to determine:- Actual availability; and- Variation of performance over seasons and across installation scenarios.4. Stage 4 –BAU incorporation- Benefits case;- New engineering standards and update of existing standards;- Workshops to share information and updates with business users; and- Outline strategy to source and install the radio solution as BAU.5. Stage 5 – Decommissioning Remove and safety store or dispose of any un-used hardware to minimise mantainance burden and to prevent hazards developing over time. The objectives are:1. to have a cost-effective radio system approved for use on the electricity network for teleprotection, in scenarios where the other solutions (optical fibre and microwave radio) are expensive or impractical; and 2. to fully understand the constraints and limitations of the radio system (e.g. availability and risks, including risk and value analyses) in order to fully inform the policy on where such radio solution can be utilised.The outcomes will be:1. reduced customer connections costs resulting in increase in low carbon generation; and 2. reduced cost of pilot cable asset replacementfor network operators.
Abstract	There are recent developments in VHF (very high frequency) and UHF (ultra high frequency) radio equipment and spectrum plans which may allow non-LoS radio to be used for modern teleprotection. The key is to identify radios with suitable characteristics and compatible spectrum plans.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	02/11/22