Objective
Further develop current grid planning methodology to include assessment and implementation of voltage regulation measures, in order to reduce operating and investment costs in HV, MV and LV distribution grids.
- Handbook on Voltage Regulation (in Norwegian)
This can be purchased from the Renewable Norway web shop
Sub-objectives
- Identify synergies and possible unintended interactions between different voltage regulation measures.
- Test combinations of voltage regulation measures in demonstration projects, in the SINTEF / NTNU smart grid laboratory and in simulations, in order to demonstrate the interaction between the measures. Field demonstration is prioritised as far as possible.
- Update loss calculations and the evaluation methodology for socio-economic cost-benefit in current grid planning methodology.
Background
Many grid companies have experience with increased power demand and new power-intensive loads, as well as the connection of distributed generation in high-voltage and low-voltage distribution grids. This leads to strained voltage margins at customers' connection points.
Solving these challenges with traditional grid reinforcement will be very expensive. NVE has estimated the investment need in the regional and local distribution grid in the period 2014-2023 at NOK 60 billion.
Voltage regulation can in many cases be a cheaper alternative to traditional grid reinforcement, since it is the voltage margins at the connection points that limit capacity over most of the length of the distribution grid. The profitability of different voltage regulation measures is often very case-specific. Good planning and system understanding reveal profitable cases, but today a simple and verified methodology that grid companies can use is lacking.
Innovation
Improved planning methodology implemented in the Handbook on Voltage Quality and, where relevant, a coordinated update of Planboka (the Norwegian grid planning handbook).
Results
Project-internal memo with various case descriptions and grid characteristics. Modelling and simulation are ongoing, and the smart grid lab is being prepared for hardware-in-the-loop testing with a series regulator available on the market.
See also: Handbook on Voltage Quality - Version 4 (in Norwegian)
Project owner: Energi Norge
Performed by: SINTEF Energy
Participants: Eidsiva Nett, HelgelandKraft Nett, Jæren Everk, Lyse Elnett, Møre Nett, NTE Nett, Skagerak Nett and TrønderEnergi Nett.
Innovation project funded by partners.