Project Overview
This project supported the wider Active Response project. The UK Power Networks (UKPN) led Active Response project aims to unlock additional network capacity through automating the network to reconfigure itself in real-time to make additional capacity available. This is an alternative to traditional reinforcement works whereby network assets are upgraded to provide additional capacity.
Project Aims
PNDC supported the Active Response project in a workstream considering the behaviour of conventional network equipment. The equipment considered was; a ring main unit, linkbox switches and LV circuit breakers. The initial aim was to test the repeated operation of these assets to confirm the number of switching events that can be completed and if any asset health issues are apparent. The project also considered the communications integration of the prototype linkbox switch with a DNO centralised system.
PNDC’s Role
PNDC had an invitation to tender (ITT) directly from UKPN as a potential test house for the work. Such a project required access to a researcher for the literature review and a test network to energise the equipment for high intensity operational studies.
A literature review was compiled as part of the project test plan. High intensity switching operation tests were conducted on a Schneider RN2C ring main unit (RMU). Regular asset health inspections were conducted to confirm that the unit under test was fit to continue testing. A Prysmian linkbox with a modular bellhousing was installed in the ground in the PNDC compound. The focus of testing was the communications between the linkbox switch and UKPN centralised systems.
PNDC assets utilised include:
HV/LV network, outdoor test bay, 1 MW load bank, fluke power quality analysers, Megger, micro ohmmeter, programmable logic controller (PLC).
Project Outcomes
The RMU operated on a defined switching pattern whilst carrying the rated load current and the number of switching events were recorded on the control system.
A failsafe on the control was implemented using the actuation time and the presence of voltage/current at the output of the unit. If deviations from expected behaviour were detected by the control system the test was halted.
The RMU experienced a mechanical failure during the test and this was detected by the control system.
The asset health inspections provided further insight into the condition of the equipment.
The RMU was returned to the manufacturer for detailed component analysis.
Communications was demonstrated between the prototype link box switch housed in a Prysmian linkbox buried underground and UK Power Networks’ centralised systems.
PNDC’s Impact
The main impact was providing a test location that did not risk customers being affected by the high intensity switching operations of the equipment under test (RMU).
Running such equipment to failure in a customer network would have taken a significantly more time due to the reduced switching requirments/opportunities.
Integrating and de-risking a prototype system with UKPN centralised systems prior to deployment in the field avoided customer disruptions and reduced the engineering time for the UKPN Active Response team.
Testimonials
PNDC were excellent academic partners in the Active Response project. They were flexible and adaptable to the changing requirements of the project, whilst ensuring all of the technical testing work that was of interest was completed as required. They were helpful and effective at problem solving throughout the project, whilst their strong technical knowledge provided results which have been reported on externally and learnings which have influencing internal business decisions. Eddie Corr himself was great to work with and I would recommend him and PNDC to any colleagues interested in collaborating with them.
In the Active Response project we were able to adapt the scope of work to meet the needs of the team at UK Power Networks through the project lifecycle. The project outcomes directly fed into the wider Active Response project through the test programme completed at PNDC. The work considered the challenges and opportunities of employing conventional LV Equipment in the overall Active Response control scheme.
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Get in touch
For further information on this case study and to discuss collaborative opportunities, please contact the PNDC project lead, Edward Corr. The project was delivered in collaboration with UK Power Networks’ Robert Davies, Andrew Burton and Luca Grella.
Established in 2013, PNDC is one of the University of Strathclyde’s industry-facing innovation centres and focuses on accelerating the development and deployment of novel energy and transport technologies through multiple collaboration models and open access facility provision.
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