Project Details
This Centralised Active Network project was set up to meet new contractual requirements between National Grid Transmission (NGET) and the client’s distribution area, due to the impact of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) on the transmission network. The Constellation platform, integrated with the Control and Optimise components, was deployed to control DERs in real-time in a distribution network, managing their output in response to changes in system demand and transmission level running arrangements. Covering 8 GSPs (Grid Supply Points) on the South coast of England, and controlling over a 100 DERs, this makes it Europe’s largest Active Network Management System.
Benefits to Society
Increased Renewables
Silicon Grid’s technology supports the introduction of renewable solar and wind farms, by giving clients the tools to make new connections to deliver clean energy to their customers.
Reduced Energy Costs
The integration and optimal management of large numbers of DERs enables the delivery of clean and reliable energy to customers for a lower price.
Zero Carbon and Emissions Reduction
By efficiently integrating renewable energies to the transmission and distribution network, the project aligns with sustainability goals, minimising carbon footprint and emissions.
Benefits to Client
Comply with Transmission Operator security requirements
This innovative solution was designed to handle N-3 security requirements from NGET. It addresses the challenges faced by certain GSPs that are unable to connect new generation without risking the transmission network under N-3 conditions.
Accelerated Renewables Connections
using Constellation, new generators can be connected if they agree to be curtailed when N-3 conditions occur.
Enable easy connections between DNO and generator owners
A key features of this solution is its ability to respect any new and existing contractual arrangements between the network operator and each generator, such as specifying Principles of Access for each generation scheme and updating priorities between them.
Deferred Reinforcement Costs
The Active Network Management System allows more customers to connect ahead of transmission-related reinforcement and defers traditional reinforcement at the distribution level.
Improved Network Efficiency and Resilience
The flexibility of this solution ensures that all parties involved can benefit from a secure and reliable transmission network while respecting their individual needs and agreements.
Project Statistics
DERs
0
+
Monitored Generation
0
GW
GSP (132 to 400kV)
0
Summary
The aim of the project was to successfully create, modify, deploy and cancel curtailment events as well as other functionalities both in an automated and manual way, allowing the distribution network capacity to be utilised to its maximum without compromising the security of the transmission network. This represents a very good example of a new breed of ‘whole system operation’ projects that are being delivered by Silicon Grid using their Constellation platform.
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