Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_NGET0056 | |
| Title | Humber Smartzone Pilot Project | |
| 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 National Grid Electricity Transmission |
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| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 January 2011 | |
| End Date | 01 January 2017 | |
| Duration | 74 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £1,491,000 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (100.000%) |
| Web Site | http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_NGET0056 |
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| Objectives | To trial and monitor the performance of a wide area monitoring system, that enables National Grid to temporarily increase the quantity of power that can be safely and reliably transmitted through the existing network of circuits in a group. The method coordinates asset performance with network awareness and monitoring to optimize the thermal capacity of circuits. This will be particularly beneficial for periods coincident with high volumes of wind generation on the network. The output of the project will be deemed successful when National Grid has assessed the viability of the concept through a proof of concept demonstration, and assessed the performance in parallel with the existing control measures. Interim criteria to measure success is as follows: Source and install sensors, Test platform to prove and exercise capacity enhancement tools, Produce specifications and procedures for implementation. | |
| Abstract | National Grid has a licence obligation to connect customers in a secure, reliable and efficient manner. Until relatively recently the necessary transmission system capacity to securely accommodate full name plate generation output had to be made firm and be in place prior to the connection of the customer. Recent changes in Regulation and Grid Code requirements have introduced ‘Connect & Manage’. This allows generation to connect earlier than before and use any spare network capacity. Commercial mechanisms such as constraints are then used to manage marginal requirements if there is insufficient capacity to export full output power at the time of use. Network capacity and circuit ratings are established using a standard deterministic design practice which calculates the rating based on worse case criteria, seasonal conditions and operational scenarios. While this is a conservative rating regime, this provides confidence that the network will be robust to most credible scenarios. As more intermittent and embedded generation connects to the network, a more flexible approach to ratings offers the opportunity to enhance the circuit rating if the weather conditions are favourable. So far applying these concepts has proved to be difficult in planning and operational timeframes as these timeframes require forecasts of future conditions which brings inherent uncertainty. Particular uncertainties that need to be addressed before changes to operational practices can be implemented include, but are not limited to, the follow: What level of confidence is there that this method will work without unacceptable compromise to security of supply?What value could this potentially provide?Can the technical and commercial risks be addressed and managed?What is the most suitable approach to implement this approach?This project aims to coordinate and build on work already carried out using real time and dynamic ratings, particularly where the performance of overhead line ratings can be enhanced during periods of high wind, removing the need to build new circuits. This approach will require much more asset information, meteorological data and network awareness to establish ratings appropriate to the current and above all forecast ambient conditions the network will be exposed to. Due to its low cost and relative speed of implementation (compared to building a new line), there is a lot of potential value in developing this technique. Enhancing our understanding of the viability of this, and of the challenges and opportunities surrounding it, would provide new learning that would allow the industry to realise a methodology that has the potential to cost-effectively address the challenges of transitioning to a low carbon economy. This project will develop a Transmission Capacity Assessment System that will inform and predict the total capacity in the circuits. This will then give National Grid a methodology for calculating unused capacity in the Transmission system, and take appropriate action in order to maximise power flow. Phase 1 - Research (completed with IFI funding)A desktop and feasibility study and analysis has been carried out to investigate the potential to use flexible ratings to deliver enhanced capacity. Optimum methods and benefits of different methods to provide circuit capacity enhancement (using QBs, dynamic ratings and operational tripping). Assess the state of the art and communication architecture for a dynamic rating controlled operational tripping scheme. Develop test facility to assess and test suitability of PMUs for managing Wide Area Control. Install dynamic line rating modules for real time monitoring. The project has produced reports covering all of these aspects. Phase 2 - Develop and Trial (2014 - 2017)Specifically, the pilot will aim to demonstrate: The logistical challenges of monitoring to facilitate capacity enhancement. Development of a capacity margin management tool to define the actual enhanced flexible capacity available in a small region of the network, using predictive ratings, wide area monitoring and network analysis. The technical challenges around using flexible ratings in network planning & operation. Monitor and assess accuracy and performance against the current system to provide confidence in the method. Produce specifications and guidance documentation for operational roll out. The project will produce reports and demonstrations to share learning on the aforementioned areas.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 21/08/18 | |
