Building data foundations for a smart, net zero energy system

Building data foundations for a smart, net zero energy system

HOW TO BUILD THE DATA FOUNDATIONS FOR A SMART, NET ZERO ENERGY SYSTEM

Electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are working hard to build a cleaner, smarter integrated energy system which exploits new digital technologies by connecting and controlling physical infrastructure so it can deliver efficient, low carbon flexibility services.

The Need

This transition to a smart future energy system prompted UK Power Networks to turn to Capula for a deeper and more holistic view of its network assets and their real time utilisation. Working closely with UK Power Networks, Capula developed a Distributed Network Visibility (DNV) Platform.

An enhanced industrial internet of things (IIOT) version of this system was implemented in April 2019.

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Benefits

  • Delivers near to real-time visualisation of network constraints and capacities across all voltage ranges
  • Reduce costs and delays associated with network reinforcement
  • Delivered significant efficiencies including speed of data handling and scenario modelling
  • Quicker and more cost-efficient designs for customers who want to connect low carbon technologies
  • Data quality and cleansing functionality
  • Enhancements in low voltage visualisation as more and more devices are connected to the network.


UK POWER NETWORKS ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

UK Power Networks has an Environmental Action Plan, addressing areas where it impacts on the environment. The Environmental Action Plan has defined clear objectives with deadlines to help play its part in handing on a sustainable planet to future generations.

The Environmental Action Plan gives a framework to UK Power Networks ambitions to reduce waste, water usage, carbon emissions, and air and noise pollution while increasing the biodiversity at many of its sites.

Source: UK Power Networks

Capula solution

An industry first, the IIOT cloud-based DNV platform is built on an open, scalable and flexible architecture and delivers near to real-time visualisation of network constraints and capacities across all voltage ranges.

Through greater visualisation and understanding of local asset utilisation, UK Power Networks has not only avoided costs and delays associated with network reinforcement, it has also resulted in better, quicker and more cost-efficient designs for customers who want to connect low carbon technologies.

The Capula IIOT system has delivered further significant efficiencies including speed of data handling, scenario modelling for timed connections, load profiling tools to identify points in time when the local network would have spare capacity for connection of low carbon technologies, data quality and cleansing functionality, and enhancements in low voltage visualisation as more and more devices are connected to the network.

Future developments

Next generation use cases for the DNV are currently under evaluation including active network management curtailment assessment calculation, determination of different load scenarios, improved understanding of power flows and additional open data functionality to stimulate wider customer engagement and innovation.