The architecture for the LV Connect and Manage solution will be developed, defining the specification and location of monitoring, communications and control infrastructure elements. This architecture will provide a replicable template for WPD and other DNOs to use in their Licence Areas.

Monitoring of LCTs

The aggregated impact of different types of LCTs (EV chargers and Solar-Battery installations) will be monitored in terms of three-phase power and voltage at up to 6 of WPD’s distribution substations in the trial area. The monitored parameters will be compared with operational limits to understand the headroom that currently exists.

Active Management of LCTs

Based on the architecture and informed by the substation monitoring, WPD will design, build and operate the LV Connect and Manage infrastructure for the trial period. This will involve the installation of battery energy storage and EV charge point devices in up to 100 domestic dwellings (where PV installations and EVs have clustered). WPD will also install the systems to control the LCTs in real time, using a fine granularity of control signals to maximise the connection of LCTs to the network.

This project will result in a set of new policies for deploying the LV Connect and Manage solution. This will encompass guides for the specification, design and installation of the LV ANM technologies.

Benefits

1. Demonstration of the active management of low carbon technologies (energy storage and electric vehicles) by controlling load profiles and alleviating electricity network constraints.

2. Development of a replicable architecture for the LV ANM solution, which can be utilised by WPD in their other Licence Areas and by other DNOs, more generally.

3. Development of novel business processes for deploying ANM technologies into LV networks. (This will include the specification and development of an installation guide for the LV ANM technologies).