Grand Unified Scheme (GUS)
GUS, the active network management system deployed for CLNR is one of the most sophisticated wide area control schemes in operation in Europe, using real-time monitoring inputs, plus state estimation and optimisation rather than relying on pre-programmed rules.
What we wanted to find out
GUS was developed for the project by Siemens. It has the ability to work out where there are constraints on the network, make decisions on how to ease those constraints, and then send out real-time set-points, based on real-time information on the state of the network.
Real-time thermal rating, primary and secondary substation monitoring, low voltage network monitoring, power electronics, electrical energy storage, more variable transformers and customer demand side response were all important pieces of the CLNR smart grid jigsaw, but it was GUS that brought together the information from all the various technology trials and demand side response solutions and analysed it as a whole, to create a truly integrated and optimised smart grid.
What we achieved?
The Customer-Led Network Revolution was one of the most extensive network technology projects ever undertaken by a DNO. We operated over 200 network trials integrating smart grid network technologies with customer demand side response under the control of a sophisticated Active Network Management control system deployed for the project.
Through the learning from CLNR, Northern Powergrid have been able to develop a route map to guide the development of smart grid technology and systems to 2050. The project has delivered significant learning and leaves a comprehensive legacy including;
- A suite of datasets demonstrating the performance of all the network technology solutions trialled, this has been made available to researchers and our DNO colleagues
- Cost and benefits analysis for all the solutions trialled, presented in the industry standard templates for use in the industry Transform™ model
- Recommendations to update UK electricity industry technical network planning standards
- Insights into potential future solutions and learning on the practicalities of delivering end-to-end solutions that are compatible with customer needs
- A comprehsive DNO toolbox with practical ‘how to’ guidance including the prototype NPADDS(Network Planning and Design Decision Support) tool, policy and technical recommendations, application guides for equipment, training materials and lessons learned reports
Some of the key learning documents from our network trials are listed below; datasets and further trial analysis reports can be accessed by using the advanced search function on the project library.
