Real-Time Networks Feasibility Study

Completed

Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas)

Applied Research and Development

SOCIAL SCIENCES (Economics and Econometrics)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Business and Management Studies)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (Law)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
SGN

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 November 2014

01 January 2015

4 months

£234,533

Information Technologies

South East

Network Innovation Allowance

Project Contact, SGN

This project seeks to achieve the following outcomes:

• A clear review of current legislation and documentation
• A completed review of previous projects in relevant areas
• Analysis of potential trial sites across SGN’s supply zones
• Identification of potential tech providers
• Review of IT infrastructure and outline requirements for NIC
• Stakeholder engagement plan
• Production of a cost benefit analysis

Following completion of the above stages a review process will be completed both internally by the project steering group and by an independent assessor. The success of this project will be reviewed against the following criteria:

• Two feasibility studies into Real-Time Networks consisting of:
• Identification of relevant legislation to be considered in NIC bid process
• A view of relevant past projects to feed into a Real-Time Network
• Recommendation of sites to trial a Real-Time Networks within SGN’s licensed supply areas
• Guide of recommended tech partners to provide sensor and metering solutions
• Outline of IT infrastructure requirements
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• CBA
• Analysis concluding the preferred method to take forward to an NIC bid submission in 2015

All network based strategic investments of the GDNs are underpinned by design based on steady state models produced using outdated calculations. Historically, the distribution network has been designed to a minimum pressure of approximately 21 mbar (19 mbar for systems designed pre January 1996 & 20. 75 mbar for systems designed post December 1995) at the extremity of the main under extreme peak demand values (SGN/NP/14). This Statutory Minimum Pressure is quoted in the SGN Safety Case. This allows for a projected pressure drop along services and customers internal pipework to maintain pressure at a suitable level for all appliances. The SGN Safety Case refers to this pressure as the minimum that can occur under 1 in 20 Peak (pk) demand conditions at the extremities of systems. This peak demand is a calculation, first established in the 1980s which devises a worst case scenario for maximum gas usage. At present, the association between pk6 demand and flow is not metered or recorded meaning all validation processes and subsequent strategic investments are based on assumptions based on location and weather forecasting. This calculation is produced by associating the nature of the customer with a demand profile, through the use of SIC codes (Standard Industrial Classification). The formulae behind this system were established in the 1980s and have lost their validity with a number of social, technological and economic factors which have affected the gas customer in the previous 20 years. Notably the following: The use of modern combi boilers - this has had a two fold effect on pk demand usage with substantial immediate demand required to reduce gas requirements in prolonged usage Home energy efficiencies - the increased energy efficiency of domestic dwellings has resulted in reduced general usage although this is only likely to create further disparity between pk6 and peak day demandsGas prices - Has influenced the nature of customers usage throughout various demand conditionsPopulation increase in conjunction with an aging population have changed the manner in which gas is used seasonallyChange in daily consumption patterns - the advent of the 24hour society with a proportion of consumers working at different times throughout the day, commuter towns and 24hr industrial users have an impact on demand diversification which has never specifically documented on a network basis but rather just standardisedMicro & Mini CHP - An increased appetite for combined heat and power systems has seen no associated metering and as a result no planning assumptions on how these units may change peak and off-peak outputsHistorically, there has also been a disparity between the assumed diversification of loads within a distribution network and the actual customer usage. This propagates as over diversification of mains 8" mains. Proof of this concept would allow for a reformulation of how the GDNs calculate their predicted loads throughout the year andallow for a more robust, reliable, distribution model. Additionally, the methods for validation of LTS (Local Transmission System) differs greatly to the distribution approach with discrete calculations lacking cross reference for data integrity. The result of this is a failure to utilise complimentary data to enhance modelling accuracy. Consumption data is currently available from Smart Meters throughout SGNs distribution zones however, the validity of the availableinformation has never been assessed and its worth potential never quantified. It is expected that a clearer view on how to best utilise this currently available data will be advised through the NIA feasibility study. All network based strategic investments are underpinned by steady state modelling produced using surveyed pressures & assumed demands based on scaled temperature conditions. A Real-Time Network uses live metering of key performance factors (ie. flow, pressure, temperature, CV etc. ) using new and innovative sensoring technologies in order to give a representation of actual network performance from minute to minute. The result is an accurate method for network modelling and the potential to rewrite all design assumptions. This project aims to identify the key requirements and potential benefits of implementing a Real Time Network within GB gas networks and will form part of SGNs NIA programme 2014/15. This will inform a Network Innovation Competition (NIC) bid to take place in 2015. The NIC bid will seek Ofgem funding to demonstrate a real-time, smart network within SGNs area of operation. This demonstration will seek to redefine 1: 20 demand forecasting, and network management, two key factors impacting on all strategic investments and management of SGNs networks. Following a procurement event, two high standard submissions were received with different approaches to producing a feasibility study for the development of a Real-Time Network within SGNs area of operation. Due to both options having unique merits that SGN were keen to utilise and following Ofgems guidelines on competition within innovation, it was deemed the prudent option is to run both feasibility studies in parallel. This project is a feasibility study that sees SGN collaborating with both Enzen and DNV-GL to run two feasibility studies, independent of each other. The outputs from both studies will be assessed against each other from both an internal SGN perspective as well as independently. This approach is intended to drive out the best possible project when approaching the NIC bid which will ultimately reflect best value for the UK gas customer.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above

11/12/18