Lessons Learned Report: Grand Unified Scheme
Overview
This report presents a comprehensive overview of lessons learned during the development of the Grand Unified Scheme (GUS) control system for the Customer-Led Network Revolution (CLNR) project. It is intended for use by distribution network operators and other interested parties who are considering embarking on or undertaking similar projects.
Northern Powergrid, as part of the CLNR project successfully completed an ambitious program to deliver an innovative Active Network Management (ANM) system across four strategically selected network areas in the Northeast of England. The control system, known as the Grand Unified Scheme (GUS), manages voltages and powerflow by coordinating the actions of a number of smart grid technologies including real-time thermal rating, electrical energy storage, voltage control devices and demand-side response.
A UK first, the project has demonstrated, on live networks, the coordinated control of a variety of active solutions and sought to evaluate the additional benefits this type of system has over discrete devices operating independently. The control system was deployed on four network areas; these consist of a rural and urban HV and LV network, and two LV areas with high photovoltaic and heat pump penetrations.
The deployment of the GUS represents a significant step forward for the future use of ANM systems to resolve voltage and thermal constraints. A considerable amount of experience has been gained throughout the CLNR project, this report details the key challenges and learning that has been generated through the design, procurement, installation, testing and operation of the overall control system. The report is structured to group Lessons Learned with the stages of the project lifecycle to which they apply.
