33kV Superconducting Fault Current Limiter

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 October 2011

01 October 2015

48 months

£3,260,000

Power

London

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

Specifically the following learning outcomes would be expected for this project;; Identification of network and physical circumstances where use of the SFCL could be used to mitigate fault level issues and address potential future DG connection issues. ; Identification of design, construction, commissioning, protection, control and operational issues associated with use of such equipment. ; Assessment of actual carbon benefits/confirmation of initial carbon case. ; Assessment of impact of equipment on policies, codes of practice, section level procedures, financial authorisation processes (including the financial justification) and identification of required revisions. ; Dissemination will be through the production of a "how to" manual that details the new knowledge outlined above. Demonstration Objectives: This project trials a specific piece of new equipment that has a direct impact on the operation and management of the distribution system and potentially the transmission system. Phase 1: to identify suitable locations for the SFCL installation and undertake a feasibility and systems readiness study to analyse the network, outline the optimum application and specification, and confirm the business and carbon cases. This has been completed. Phase 2: is to design, build, install and commission a three-phase 33kV SFCL on the CE distribution network. It is proposed, subject to site surveys and agreement with National Grid and other partner organisations, that the unit is installed at a 275/33kV substation in South Yorkshire to limit the fault current to within the rating of the 33kV switchgear. This is currently managed through an operational management switching procedure which in some circumstances may increase the risk of loss of supplies to customers. The project will be judged successful on completion of the following deliverables: -- Robust carbon impact cases developed for different network scenarios- Indicative business case developed- Successful power system modelling of the unit- Successful type testing of SFCL components- Successful operation of SFCL, cryocooler and auxiliary components- Operational experience relating to the SFCL, cryocooler and auxiliary components documented- Network events and SFCL response captured electronically- Running costs documented- Maintenance requirements documented- Identification of required changes to policy and operational documentation- Successful dissemination of information and learning to DNO peer group.

Generator connections are being made to local distribution networks but these have limited capacities to handle short circuit fault currents To facilitate the connection of generation from renewable sources at the distribution voltage level, the network needs to be capable of withstanding these consequential increases in fault level. Traditional approaches to managing increasing fault levels lead to time consuming, costly infrastructure upgrades which may cause the proposed generation development not to proceed. Key learning to be delivered by the project is the understanding of the circumstances under which the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) can be used to mitigate fault level issues which are a barrier to distributed generation (DG) connection and how the SFCL can then be designed into and operated within distribution networks. The methods that have been proposed for this project is for National Grid to assist Northern Power Grid to enable the installation of the 33kv super conducting fault current limiter (LCNF project).Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

20/03/18