Abstract
Trends support low voltage distribution networks will soon experience significant uptake of customer-owned low-carbon technology (LCT) devices especially rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) and small-scale energy storage (SSES) systems. This paradigm shift will introduce some significant challenges in modern distribution network planning and operations owing to the temporal nature of modern demand. Therefore, it became relevant to investigate the UK low voltage (LV) network operations considering high uptake of PVs and SSESs through both field measurements and desktop studies. The aim was to validate through field trials, the flexibility benefits of peak demand reduction and reverse power flow mitigation through smart control of customer-owned SSESs. It was shown that peak demand of up to 60% could be achieved in UK distribution network through the smart control of these devices. In tandem with the demand reduction, the study revealed that type-tested SSES power interface units do not pose significant power quality risks even for 100% customer penetration.
Highlights
High uptake of rooftop PVs was promoted by government policies and subsidy schemes in several countries in Europe and beyond
This plot clearly revealed that an average of 58% reduction in peak demand per household could be achieved from the activecontrol trial (ACT)
A customer nonlinear load ownership survey was conducted and the results showed that the customer devices comprised of such appliances as was predicted
Summary
High uptake of rooftop PVs was promoted by government policies and subsidy schemes in several countries in Europe and beyond. The company responsible for that trial project argued that since bulk of the UK peak demand resulted from residential loads, it made sense to reduce demand levels through customer owned PV and SSES operation and control. That project investigated if there was a business case for using customer-owned PVs and SSES as an alternative to network expansion; 26 residential houses, 5 schools and one office building were used for the trial These buildings were fitted with PVs, SSESs and communication and control systems. At establishing through field trials if the coordinated control of a large number of customer-owned PV and SSES units connected to the network could be used to reduce the peak demand and defer utility asset upgrade.
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