The D-Suite project is one of three successful initiatives led by SP Energy Networks that have secured over 21m of funding from Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund.

D-Suite is in partnership with UKPN, Newcastle University and Integrated Powertech, has been awarded over £8m to explore the feasibility of using power electronics – a way of controlling and converting voltage and current – on the low voltage distribution network. The use of this technology will help support the growth of low-carbon technologies by increasing available capacity on the network by between 20% to 40% while deferring or mitigating the need for costly and disruptive reinforcement solutions.

A major aim of the project is to create a fully automated low voltage design (LV) tool which will allow for rapid adoption of the technology by other DNOs, reducing training and upskilling requirements, while future-proofing the network and informing network planning, design and investment decisions.

Dr Matthew Deakin is the Newcastle University project lead. He said: “At Newcastle University, we are supporting D-Suite by developing the LV Design Tool. This tool is an integral part of the D-Suite solution that will provide an optimized location and operation for each D-Suite device to maximise performance and minimize cost. We will capture each device’s active operating characteristics in software, so the tool can provide engineers with the visibility and justification needed to invest in a D-Suite device with confidence. Ultimately, the tool aims to enable D-Suite devices to be efficiently rolled out across tens of thousands of locations across the UK.”

A game-changer

The Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem programme managed in partnership with Innovation UK, supports projects looking to explore and prove innovative ways of using the electricity network to help ensure the network is fit for the future, helping to support the growth of renewables, increase the adoption of low carbon technologies and, ultimately, move towards a sustainable future.

Scott Mathieson of SP Energy Networks said: “Receiving this funding from Ofgem is a game-changer for these vital projects, allowing us to continue pushing boundaries and exploring innovative ways that our transmission and distribution networks can deliver benefits for all GB customers and support a sustainable future, all whilst maintaining world-leading levels of safety, reliability and resilience of supply.”

Adapted with thanks from SP Energy Networks.