Western Power Distribution (WPD) has revealed a project designed to support planners in the management of load when connecting low-carbon technologies.
The Smart Meter Innovations and Test Network (SMITN) project will support the connection of low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and heat pumps by testing a new technology that provides planners with data from smart meters.
WPD has stated that the technology will allow the firm to monitor the quality of power supplier by the grid, using this data to help identify customers connecting low-carbon technology and where extra capacity may be required.
This could be vitally important for the growing number of renewable project and connections being added to the energy network in the UK amid impending net zero targets.
“The ultimate aim is to get the best possible data quality, not just for self-serve, but because we are going to need better data to support all sorts of different data applications,” said Jenny Woodruff, innovation engineer at Western Power Distribution.
“When we have good quality data, we can do better network planning. We can do it safely, we can automate it, we can make sure phases are more balanced, we can make future networks more efficient, reducing the impact of faults and even predicting future faults. Ultimately, all this will save money and deliver a better service for our customers.”
Providing planners with more accurate data will allow companies to research and plan EV charging stations themselves via the use of these self-serving tools, stated WPD. Crucially, it will cover factors such as cable sizes and types, as well as where they will be able to connect to the grid.
Several companies are involved with WPD in delivering the project. This includes CGI, Haysys, Loughborough University and GHD.
CGI is expected to be a key technology partner in the creation of the SMITN platform, delivering data science and digital expertise for the project.
Haysys will perform data capture to provide the reference for the algorithms using a range of its devices, including one existing device and one that is being developed for this project.
Loughborough University will select the test network and advise on the algorithms for the trial whilst also contributing to the project learnings with a focus on closedown reports.
GHD will work with WPD in an assurance role.
“It is fantastic to work so collaboratively with WPD and the other partners on the advancement of smart grid digitalisation, to make a positive contribution in the journey towards net zero, and to develop positive customer experiences,” said Mark Aston, senior vice-president for utilities in the UK and Australia for CGI.
The new project launched by WPD follows on from a commitment made last month by the network operator to support customers installing EV chargers or heat pumps, as part of a connectability pledge.
It is expected that this could provide a foundation for customers in the UK to transition to low-carbon technologies as the globe races towards net zero targets.
WPD currently has 10,759 heat pumps and 58,416 EV chargers connected to its network. The firm predicts it will connect 1,600 EV chargers every working day by 2028.
