Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | NIA_WPD_033 | |
| Title | EDGE-FCLi (Embedded Distributed Generation Electronic Fault Current Limiting interrupter) | |
| 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 |
|
| Award Type | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Funding Source | Ofgem | |
| Start Date | 01 September 2018 | |
| End Date | 01 March 2022 | |
| Duration | ENA months | |
| Total Grant Value | £3,016,472 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Power | |
| Region | London | |
| Programme | Network Innovation Allowance | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Project Contact , National Grid Electricity Transmission (99.999%) |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (0.001%) |
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| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Western Power Distribution (0.000%) |
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| Web Site | https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_WPD_033 |
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| Objectives | The project aims to design and test a newly developed solid state Fault Current Limiting Interrupter (FCLi), that can limit the fault current contribution of distributed generators and therefore overcome fault level issues that can limit the network capacity and prevent future connections. The three phase FCLi will be designed for 11kV generator connections ≤5 MW and will be robustly tested to provide learning on the suitability of the technology for implementation in distribution networks. If the complete testing of the device is successful, it will then be trialled within WPDs 11kV network.The project is to be delivered collaboratively between WPD and UKPN to ensure that a device is developed to suitably be deployed throughout GB. The project scope is described in more detail below but will consist of collaborative working on the design of the FCLi device as well as factory and laboratory testing to ensure that it is suitable for longer-term testing and site trial. The project will consist of the following Work Packages: Device specifications – Specifications will be defined to cover all the device requirements.Preliminary FCLi design and review – This includes the identification of key components, high level electrical, thermal and control design, and detailed test plan preparation.Detailed FCLi design and review – This involves full design of all parts including power modules, insulation, control system and operator interface, fault detection system, enclosures, thermal and ventilation detailed design.FCLi device manufacture.Testing – The FCLi will undergo a number of rigorous tests including: Factory Testing, Laboratory/Type Testing and Internal Arc Testing.At this point, if all elements (1-5) have been successful then the following will take place: a. WPD – long term soak testing of the device to ensure stability of operation of the device and wider system b. UKPN – register separate NIA project to trial the installation and operation of the FCLi within the 11kV network.Trial of the FCLi within WPDs 11kV network where 6a is successful Design an 11kV FCLi for a <=5MW generator.Manufacture the FCLi.Perform detailed testing on the manufactured FCLi including Factory Acceptance Testing, external lab testing and soak testing.Complete Internal Arc Testing of a prototype device.Provide learning and recommendations for the suitability of such a device for implementation in the distribution network. | |
| Abstract | The ever increasing penetration of embedded generation coupled with recent improvements in network interconnectivity, have led to rising distribution network fault levels, close to the rated capability of existing equipment, and pose several challenges to both DNOs and independent power producers (IPPs). More specifically, connection requests by IPPs are often rejected by DNOs due to lack of fault current headroom in their networks. In some cases, connections are made possible through conventional resource-intensive and often disruptive network reinforcement, with substantial cost and delays to the IPPs. This leaves available generation capacity underutilised, inhibiting in this way the further decarbonisation of the network.In order to enable a scalable and long term path for such connections, the fault current contribution from new generators needs to be reduced to near zero. While some generation sources contribute little fault current (inverter based generation like solar), synchronous ones (such as CHP) contribute significant fault current. | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 02/11/22 | |
