In collaboration with:
Project Overview
The project, in collaboration with UK Power Networks (UKPN) and Energy Systems Catapult, analysed real-world consumer behaviour from UKPN’s Neighbourhood Green.
First announced in 2022, the project utilised the world-first Whole Energy Systems Accelerator (WESA) – the interconnection of two leading facilities — the energy system demonstration capabilities at PNDC and Energy System Catapult’s Living Lab of consumers. WESA’s leading-edge innovation environment enables energy use monitoring in homes with low-carbon technologies, digitally mapping real-world data onto simulated networks to provide advanced data modelling through predictive analytics and forecasting.
The trial gathered valuable data on how homeowners use various low-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, underfloor heating, and panel heaters. For example, data was analysed to determine the exact amount of electricity capacity needed to keep homeowners comfortable, particularly during the winter months.
PNDC assessed future normal domestic loads and After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD), providing valuable insights into the potential impact on the grid.
The Approach
Gather historic data/insight from Living Lab homes and other trials
Real world trial at 60 homes with at least one form of Low Carbon Technologies (LCT) to monitor energy usage over time
Virtual clustering of Living Lab homes and assessing the impacts in different weather conditions including extreme scenarios
Learnings
Heat pumps (HPs) run at full capacity → no ADMD
~20% HPs on UK Electricity Distribution Network → 20% transformer overloading
50% HP → transformer overload by 60% → hotspot temperature of around 150 degree → significant reduction of transformer life
Testimonials
Through collaboration between PNDC’s real-world testing and demonstration facilities and Energy Systems Catapult’s Living Lab, we have supported UK Power Networks’ Neighbourhood Green project in evaluating the operational flexibility potential of low-carbon technologies and driving forward consumer-focused energy innovation. The project has provided valuable insights into the operational performance and flexibility of Low Carbon Technologies (LCT), helping to shape the future of sustainable energy solutions.
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For further information on this case study and to discuss collaborative opportunities, please get in touch.
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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