The MSCA Action investigated the potential of reconfigurable Direct Current (DC) electricity distribution networks to contribute towards the reliable delivery of electrical power to low voltage consumers. Traditional Alternating Current (AC) electricity distribution networks are fixed systems that have been gradually deployed and upgraded over several decades. Reconfiguring an electricity network involves a lengthy planning process that cannot be done in real time. However, in situations such as equipment overloading or unconventional power flows, network reconfiguration can reduce the probability of a fault developing. Hence, reconfiguration has recently been proposed as a methodology for increasing electrical network reliability.
Network reconfiguration can be performed with devices and installations that are enabling a connection where previously there was none. These are called Soft Open Points (SOP). Such devices exist for AC networks, but not for DC networks. This project set out to create an equivalent of this reconfiguration device for DC networks, the DCSOP.
In addition, the project set out to assess the possible impact of DC network reconfiguration on the reliability of the network. Assessment of reliability in DC networks is more difficult than their AC counterparts, since there are no precedents or definitions of calculation methods. In this project, an AC network has been converted to a DC network and a reliability assessment methodology has been adapted and tested, using different reconfiguration combinations.
Finally, in future Smart Grids, it is necessary to control and co-ordinate devices such as generators, demand, batteries and other network equipment. This can be done with local autonomous control devices based on Artificial Intelligence concepts. The final objective of this project was to develop a concept that can control and co-ordinate the reconfiguration devices for the safer operation of the DC electricity network. This would be especially useful in local microgrids, which can be more difficult to regulate.
The above work is very important for the safer operation of electricity distribution networks, and will provide an efficient alternative to AC networks. This will help ensure security of energy supply to electricity consumers, and would contribute towards more resilient electricity networks that can handle more intermittent renewable energy. Hence, there are environmental benefits as well.
