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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_UKPN0080
Title	Stratus
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 South Eastern Power Networks plc
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 April 2022
End Date	30 September 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£1,356,000
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	South East
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , South Eastern Power Networks plc (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , UK Power Networks (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_UKPN0080
Objectives	A smart transformer that has the capability to regulate voltage and correct the power factor, and potentially resolve harmonic issues that arise from customers equipment.The novel transformer utilises power electronics to provide the smart capabilities. This solution can support the network from the secondary level, with the ability to provide dynamic voltage regulation and power factor optimisation. These transformers can help maximise the penetration of DER, while improving network stability, resilience, and visibility within the secondary network. When operating as part of a fleet, the solution can contribute to network stability by providing frequency control through dynamic modulation of consumer load.The power electronics enable changing the LV voltage dynamically without the use of a tap changer, as well as:Bus voltage stabilisation;Consumer voltage stabilisation;Consumer voltage modulation;Power factor and harmonics compensation;Secondary network optimisation;and Increased visibility of the LV network.This project will aim to demonstrate the capabilities of the solution in a stand-alone mode and as part of a fleet. Initially the device will be installed and commissioned in a live network environment to test the stand-alone capability and functionality. Following that, additional units will be installed for the demonstration of fleet functionality in a live environment. The scope of the overall project is to trial up to seven smart transformers on the distribution network in order to learn about their installation and operation as well as measure the benefits they provide. Device development cost will not be funded by the project, as they are funded by the manufacturer. The NIA funding will be used to purchase the smart transformers, design the network trial and test them on the network. Specifically the project will:Identify a number of trial sites that can host prototypes of the smart transformer;Install the smart transformer in up to seven secondary substations;Monitor performance over the trial period;Share lessons learned; andIdentify roadmap to BAU (e.g. infrastructure requirements, process changes). The objectives of the project are to:Monitor the performance of the solution in real network conditions;Identify the costs and practical requirements of installation;Identify the changes to existing processes and standards which are needed to transition to BAU; andIdentify and record the benefits from the usage of the smart transformers
Abstract	This project will aim to demonstrate the capabilities of the solution in a stand-alone mode and as part of a fleet. Initially the device will be installed and commissioned in a live network environment to test the stand-alone capability and functionality. Following that, additional units will be installed for the demonstration of fleet functionality in a live environment.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	14/10/22