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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_NGTO055
Title	Feasibility Study on Upgrading Transmission Network Capability for Renewable Connection
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Renewable Energy Sources 30%; Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 70%;
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
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 July 2020
End Date	31 July 2021
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£296,000
Industrial Sectors	Power
Region	London
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGTO055
Objectives	To address the above problem, the project will examine the techno-economic feasibility of converting selected three-phase (3ɸ) transmission lines (e.g. East Anglia) in the National Grid network to a six-phase (6ɸ) system that utilises the capabilities of power transformers to convert from 3ɸ phasors, 120° apart, to 6ɸ phasors, 60° apart. This will enable the increase in the power transfer capability of the network by a factor of 1.73.The project will also carry out the techno-economic feasibility analysis of increasing the nominal voltage of an existing double-circuit 3ɸ 400kVLL line in the selected network area to 550kV. The scope of the work includes the following: Work Package 1: - Feasibility study on using transformative six-phase technology to increase the transmission power transfer capability in the GB network taking into the consideration of economic, technology and network impactsConduct literature review on six phase systemsInvestigate the opportunity of converting the existing transmission line in selected GB network (e.g. EC5 boundarie) to facilitate efficient renewable connectionAssess the technical feasibility includes capability and availability of transformers, overhead lines and tower technology. This includes investigating required transformer solutions to enable double circuit lines to operate as six phase system and study related to charging current, ferroresonance, switching transient,etc. Conduct economics and lifetime cost analysis including losses, power transfer, substation and lines, transformers, tower retrofit, etc.Investigate network impact on short circuit faults and protection, operation under normal & depleted conditions, auto-reclosure.Identify future work required to advance to a next stage study into the full implications of the transformative 6ɸ technology. Work Package 2:- Feasibility study of upgrading the existing 400 kV network to 550kV taking into the consideration of economic, technology and network impacts.Investigate the viability of operating the existing transmission lines to higher voltage up to 550kV in selected parts of the GB network (e.g. EC5 boundary) to facilitate efficient renewable connection.Assess the technical feasibility of voltage upgrading of the selected part of GB network o Review clearance requirements against a range of conditions, investigate the key challenges (e.g. insulator), and identify changes needed to enable the network operation of the existing network to higher voltage level to 550kV (alternative insulation system will be considered where would be necessary). o Asses environmental impacts (e.g. noise) and the impacts on electric and magnetic fields using the CDEGS software. o Review the impact of voltage upgrades on short sections of cable included within an overhead line and assess if existing conductors can operate at a higher voltage level up to 550kV. o Investigate the required transformer solution necessary for higher voltage line operation. Conduct a high-level cost analysis considering technical modification requirements based on a length unit of OHL system operating at higher voltage levelRecommend future work required to deploy the technologyWork Package 3:- Assessment on system securityAssess the impacts on system security, including thermal performance and stability, of increasing transmission network transfer capability in selected area using 6ɸ technology and 3ɸ voltage upgrades.Work Package 4:- Recommendation and Future workPropose future work required to take either the 3ɸ voltage upgrade aspects of this projects or the 6ɸ transformative technology into a full site trial where it is appropriate.Completion of a final report that summarises all aspects of the work completed within this project and provides clear recommendations on how to move forward to effectively increase transmission capability that will allow economic and efficient integration of significant renewable energy resources and deliver the UK net-zero energy future The objective of the project is to investigate the feasibility of using either innovative six-phase technology or voltage upgrading of existing three-phase overhead lines to increase the power transfer capacity of the transmission corridors for renewable integration.
Abstract	The GB electricity network is setting a fast pace for the transition towards a net-zero carbon energy system. Effective integration of renewable energy sources into the ET network in an economic and efficient manner is crucial in achieving the UK net-zero carbon target. The aim of this project is to investigate efficient network reinforcement solutions to upgrade the transmission network transfer capability without the need for constructing new lines. The project will examine the feasibility of using transformative six-phase technology and/or voltage upgrades to increase the power transfer capability of the existing transmission line in the GB network.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	02/11/22