CIRED 2024

In June, the EA Technology team attended CIRED 2024, in Vienna, Austria. We went to share our project learnings and keep up to date with new innovations happening in distribution networks globally.   

We showcased a range of interesting topics that we have been working on.   

Rural Electrification 2.0 Project:    

Louise Guthrie presented the Rural Electrification 2.0 Project. This project highlights pressing issues surrounding the rural networks, which was a common theme amongst other projects at CIRED. Developing solutions for radial low voltage (LV) networks that will see a large volume of distributed generation installed on the network, and presently undefined increase in electrical energy requirements, is a priority for many distribution networks. At CIRED, many novel solutions were discussed. Some focused on managing the end customer demand, and others focused on new methods of ensuring the network is fit for purpose. Both network and customer data, and how it can be used for maximum benefit, underpins many of the solutions.   

*This project has been undertaken with project partners University of Leeds and Northern Powergrid.*  

To find out more about the Rural Electrification 2.0 Project, click here.   

 The Inform Project:  

Thomas Stone presented The Inform Project, which highlighted challenges regarding the decarbonisation of large high voltage (HV) connected sites when decarbonising their heating systems through electrification. This project developed a Proof-of-concept digital twin of a case study hospital site. This demonstrated how self-service optioneering tools can be used to accelerate decarbonisation by providing site owners with connection options.  It enabled them to understand how to reduce network upgrade costs and connection timelines. At EA Technology, we are continuing to develop our suite of digital twin and network modelling solutions through our VisNet Modelling propositions.  This project showed how digital twins can be used to effectively utilise existing network capacity before opting to reinforce the network.   

*This project has been undertaken with project partners Energy Systems Catapult and Northern Powergrid.*   

This project is funded by energy network users and consumers through the Strategic Innovation Fund, a programme from the UK’s independent regulator Ofgem managed in partnership with Innovate UK.  

To find out more about The Inform project, click here.   

Whole Systems Thinking:   

Kate Thompson held a presentation on the Whole Systems Thinking project, presenting the results and learning from Phase 1. The project highlights how increasing hosting capacity on the distribution network can reduce low carbon generation curtailment.  This could  save consumers money by reducing the wholesale cost of electricity. Now, the project goes to stage 2, where the initial methodology and results will be refined to investigate the potential benefits further.   

*This project has been undertaken with project partner National Grid Electricity Distribution*  

Modelling Battery Storage and Flexible Connections on Low Voltage Networks:   

Catherine Birkinshaw-Doyle presented a new methodology for modelling battery storage and flexible connections on low voltage networks. This approach would allow network operators to capitalize on the reliable flexibility offered by these systems during network planning, while still retaining a realistic approach. It is also compatible with existing planning methodology. Three systems were modelled to cover realistic scenarios the network may see, for example:   

• A standalone battery   

• Domestic battery system  

• Domestic battery system combined with PV generation  

For a typical size system, the new method is expected to unlock 33% of peak-hour capacity per property.   

To find out more, or speak to an expert click here.