Case studies will be developed to:
- Investigate how a greater understanding, visibility and control of the network can lead to LV active network management, and enable the connection of low carbon technologies.
- Quantify the expected improvement to quality of supply when using remote control and automation to create a self-healing LV network.
- Use the unprecedented visibility of the LV network available (single phase load monitoring at link box level) to validate current LV modelling and increase our understanding of the LV network.
- Demonstrate the business benefits of the large scale roll-out of a technology that enables remote smart management of the low voltage network;
- Development of a link box load monitoring device to retrofit into older cast iron link boxes;
- Integration of low voltage hardware with a SCADA based control system using low voltage connectivity models;
- Roll-out of technology and evaluation of the potential benefits – which are expected to include reduced losses, increased capacity headroom and early visibility of emerging loading or power quality issues.
A potential improvement in quality of supply of up to 75% has been identified in the trial area.
- Greater insight into the potential challenges network operators are likely to face with the transition to a low carbon economy;
- Understanding how active network management of the LV network can optimise the use of existing LV equipment, and potentially enable the connection of additional and low-carbon loads;
- Creating an automated, self-healing LV network;
- Using load monitoring data to enhance modelling of the LV network.
The research areas that Smart Urban Low Voltage Network covers are:
- Smart meters & low voltage monitoring