Dynamic Ratings for improved Operational Performance (DROP)

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
National Grid Electricity Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 April 2012

01 February 2016

52 months

£341,000

Power

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

The objective for this project is to investigate, develop and experimentally validate methods for the calculation of dynamic (real time) cable circuit ratings within the transmission network, to investigate potential deployment scenarios for such methods within the National Grid network and to determine the potential benefits of using such systems as the penetration of intermittent renewable generation grows within the network. The project is successful if we build on the already successful record of work relating to modelling of HV cable systems at the University of Southampton.

This issue is to improve on providing a concise cable rating sheet as part of the CUP package which can be readily used by Network Operations. While this approach works well where the level of load to be transferred is known in advance, it provides for only a limited number of rating combinations based on a series of assumptions about the cable system thermal environment. Given the increasing variability of the UK climate, coupled with the trend towards higher generation of electrical energy from renewable sources, this may not always lead to the best utilisation of a cable asset as its true power transfer capability over periods of 24 hours or less may be under-estimated through this traditional approach. This study will investigate the development of dynamic rating algorithms applicable to a variety of common cable circuits through both numerical modelling, simulation and laboratory based experiments. The proposed work will be carried out within the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory at the University of Southampton. Principle targets for this study include: The development and experimental verification of an algorithm for dynamic ratings applicable to buried cable circuits Further development of (1) for application to cables in air, for example troughs and tunnels. The examination of possible integration of tunnel dynamic ratings with ventilation control options under investigation in the CCTV (Control of Cable Tunnel Ventilation) project. Development of a framework detailing the data collection requirements and other pre-requisites for any future deployment of dynamic cable ratings within National Grid. An analysis of the potential benefits of using dynamic ratings, particularly in terms of constraint cost reduction. A four phase plan is proposed to investigate the target areas listed above, eventually leading to the derivation of a framework for how dynamic cable ratings could be utilised within National Grid and the associated costs and benefits of doing so. The method that has been proposed for this project includes; Phases 1 & 2 (Years 1 & 2)- Initial review of current understanding of the impact of using dynamic- Interim report on algorithm development for buried cables- Interim report on algorithm development for cables in air- Report on the benchmarking of algorithms against laboratory experiments Phases 3 & 4 (Year 3)- Interim report on the integration of dynamic ratings algorithms with tunnel ventilation control philosophy- Report on recommended framework for algorithm input data from the system- Interim report on the potential for constraint cost reduction through use of dynamic ratings algorithms- Final recommendations and ReportNote : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

09/08/18