Wednesday 27 September 2017

New network device ‘could save cash and capacity’

A new load sharing device being trialled in the UK could save customers up to £8 million and free up around 95MW of additional network capacity.

That's according to UK Power Networks (UKPN), which says it could be used to allow more renewable energy to feed into local electricity grids.

Known as Power Guardian, the tool could help power more than 45,000 homes without the need to build any additional cables and substations or dig up any roads.

The device will be trialled on a circuit near Colchester where three overhead lines run between two substations.

One line is shorter than the other two which means it currently carries more load, while the other two lines have a reasonable amount of spare capacity.

The £2.4 million project will enable the power flowing across the three lines to be balanced.

Ian Cameron, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks said: "The connection of distributed generation is vital as we move towards a low carbon economy.

"This project will trial innovative solutions to ensure we make the best use of our infrastructure."