Cool Runnings will explore the technical and practical implementation of the Smart Heat Variable Transformer Rating method. The Smart Heat NIA project investigated different approaches to manage the impact of network overloads due to the increase in network demand caused by the uptake of heat pumps (HP). Cool Runnings will investigate the extent to which capacity released by applying variable ratings in distribution transformers, can support the additional load from HP uptake for various network designs (building type; transformer size, age, design) and ambient conditions. This phase of the project will develop an initial variable rating algorithm and define the laboratory testing required to prove it which will be conducted in future phases. 

Benefits

As a part of the Smart Heat NIA final project report, a CBA was conducted for the Smart Heat solutions which indicated that the Smart Heat Variable Rating solution has significant financial and carbon benefits over alternatives, including traditional reinforcement and alternative smart solutions. 

The CBA was performed for several scenarios to see the benefits each solution can bring individually, over the ‘Traditional Case’ that only assumes traditional reinforcement of distribution transformers as well as the ‘Smart Base Case’ which includes both traditional methods (network reinforcement) and any innovative emerging solutions that are expected to become BAU over the modelling period (Celsius Rating, Voltage Optimisation and Active Cooling).    

The CBA (2022 figures) indicates that implementing the Variable Rating solution alone would provide an estimated financial benefit of £127.4m, as well as 30ktCO2e in carbon benefit above the traditional base case (current BAU), that is up to 2050 over the Electricity North West network region.

3.2.3. Please provide an estimate of how replicable the Method is across GB

This must be in terms of the number of sites, the sort of site the Method could be applied to, or the percentage of the Network Licensees system where it could be rolled-out.

If proved successful, the Variable Ratings algorithm could be applied to all distribution transformers across GB