The focus of Network Equilibrium is to balance voltages and power flows across the distribution system, using three Methods to integrate distributed generation within electricity networks more efficiently and delivering major benefits to distribution customers.

The Problem that Network Equilibrium addresses is that electricity infrastructure in the UK was originally designed and developed for passive power distribution requirements. As a result, the integration of significant levels of low carbon technologies (LCTs) within our present electricity networks can cause voltage management and thermal issues. For business as usual (BAU) roll-out we need to develop solutions, which take a strategic engineering approach, considering the whole system and not solving constraints on a piecemeal basis. The Problem will be investigated using three Methods, and their applicability to 33kV and 11kV distribution networks assessed.

Objectives

Network Equilibrium will demonstrate how novel voltage and power flow management approaches can improve the utilisation of DNOs’ electricity networks. The Methods will unlock capacity for increased levels of low carbon technologies (LCTs), during normal operation and outage conditions (maintenance, new connections and fault restoration), which disrupt the electricity network.

For ease of readability, Network Equilibrium has been shortened to Equilibrium throughout this Full Submission Pro-forma. A glossary of terms is given in Appendix Q located in the full submission in the documents tab.

The trial location encompasses 33kV and 11kV electricity networks in South West England, across the counties of Somerset and Devon. Maps and network diagrams of the trial location are given in Appendix C again located in the full submission in the documents tab.