The project proposes to develop a planning tool to coordinate the dispatch of MPFC devices to maximise network utilisation and reduce network constraints building on the previous works which Smart Wires and EirGrid collaborated on. Power system studies will also be conducted to ensure the recommended set points do not violate system condition requirements in other locations. Optimal deployment locations of additional MPFCs will be investigated and recommended to realise potential additional capacity on a given network. The project will also investigate how to further increase the utilisation of the network capacity by incorporating other technologies such as DLR (Dynamic Line Rating) within the developed tool.
Benefits
The optimised control of Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) technology will maximise value of investment and ensure increased network utilisation at any given time. This will support earlier connection of renewable generation whilst reducing future constraint costs. The ability to optimise the existing fleet of SSSC and identifying the optimum location for future projects will ensure maximum value is extracted out of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) program with reduced onshore investment requirements. The preliminary analysis shows that the estimated benefits of the coordinated control to the consumers are in the range of £19.8m and the estimated benefits of this outperformance are £4.1m.
Learnings
Outcomes
2023/2024
Various scenarios have been agreed for inclusion in the next stage of the system study to investigate the potential benefits and future deployment opportunity of SmartValve in the network. These scenarios include boundary flow under normal intact conditions and critical contingencies without any SmartValve, boundary flow with a single SmartValve participating, and boundary flow with the synergistic operation of multiple SmartValves.
Please note that the project is at a very early stage and more outcomes of the project will be shared in the next progress report.
2024/2025
· Studies show clear benefits of wide-area coordinated control of SSSCs (ie. SmartValves) in optimising power flow across the network, maximising boundary capability compared to single-location operation.
· Traditionally, SSSCs have been used to push power off heavily loaded circuits. However, using a combination of pushing power off overloaded lines and pulling power onto underutilised lines is significantly more effective. The studies also suggest that pre-fault operation could provide additional benefits in terms of optimising power flow and enhancing boundary capability.
· A Python-based wide-area coordinated control planning tool has been developed and validated. It will be integrated with DIgSILENT PowerFactory to automate the studies of transmission network planning and control, with a particular focus on the deployment of SSSCs.
Studies indicate that SSSCs installed on the B8 boundary have the potential to also provide significant capacity improvements for the B7 and B9 boundaries in addition to B8. Few locations and corresponding siting points for future deployment of SSSCs have been identified and recommended to consider in network planning. However, it is important to note that the recommendations are based on results from the study, which did not consider any post-fault actions involving Quadrature Boosters (QBs). Additional studies incorporating various scenarios with QBs in operation will need to be conducted to make a thorough recommendation
Recommendations for further work
None to report at this stage.
Lessons Learnt
Lessons Learnt
2024/2025
The network studies were conducted using a reduced network model for B7a, B8, and B9, which limits the accuracy of the study. It is recommended that a larger area network model or a complete GB network model be used to enable a more comprehensive system study.
Dissemination
· The key outcomes from the project were disseminated to a wider audience of industry stakeholders at the Utility Week 2024 event through a presentation held in June in Birmingham.
· Some of the key findings from this innovation project were presented to industry stakeholders from NGET and TenneT (a European transmission system operator) in a workshop held in November 2024.
· A workshop has been planned to demonstrate the key functions and capabilities of the advanced wide-area power flow control tool developed in early summer. This workshop will also provide training for relevant stakeholders.
· Further dissemination events will be organised upon project completion, including workshops and the publication of journal or conference papers.
