Network Innovation Annual Summary 2017/2018 - Electricity Transmission
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Network Innovation
Annual Summary
2017/2018
Electricity
Transmission
Contents
3 Introduction 15–16 Project
portfolio
4–5 Altering our
DNA and investing 17–19 Our Network
in the future Innovation
6 Working with Competition Project
partners – Deeside
7 Out and about 20–21 Project
updates
8–13 Updates on
key projects 22–23 Reference
tables
14 Shaping up to
meet the future 24 Appendix
Welcome to the
innovation annual
summary for 2017/18
As an engineer, I have grown up Looking towards the immediate future, at
understanding the true value of innovation Deeside we are converting an existing
to society, and have seen how major 400kV substation into a facility for testing
innovations change the way we live and and evaluating solutions without putting
do business. Whether it’s been the the customer supply at risk. The site gives
creation of the iPad in 2010, or SpaceX us and other organisations a place to trial
landing a first-stage rocket on an ocean- technologies and new practices. And it
going drone ship in 2016, innovation done means we can support the start-up
properly transforms people’s lives. My community and help small to medium
vision for our customers is not to drive enterprises succeed in an increasingly
incremental change through our competitive market. Deeside, the first of its
innovation programme, but to change kind in Europe, saw us securing £12m in
electrical transmission networks for the funding from Ofgem in 2015 and putting
good of society. Our research is driven by £14m of our own money in. Projects we
the belief that one day we will change the have started at the facility this year
“Innovation is very idea of how we interact with a include trialing a retrofit for cable sealing
transmission network and what it can do ends, non-invasive tower foundation
one of the pillars for our world. inspections and zip-up scaffolding
raising National solutions that offer time-efficiency savings
Grid’s performance, How do we make that new vision of the
and improved safety for access to
high-level asset components. You can
helping us shape the future network a reality? We begin by read more about these projects and their
energy markets for solving the engineering problems of today.
For example, we have delivered the
status from page 20.
the future.” world’s first 400kV gas insulated electricity
substation that uses an alternative gas to With the rise of autonomous, electric
David Wright
Director
SF6. We are also looking at materials that vehicles and distributed battery storage
Electricity Transmission extend the lifetime of our assets (see page technologies we need to take a flexible,
Group Chief Electricity Engineer eight), investigating methods to reduce the evolutionary approach to delivering the
amount of work we carry out on sites and electricity transmission network in the
investigating technologies to deliver cost coming decades. Flexibility and evolution
efficiencies. Then there are research can only come from working with the
projects that continue to increase safety broader engineering community and
for both workers and the public, and understanding the whole picture. So, we
reduce the outage time of networks, like not only look to our own people to embed
the portable earthing vehicles that can be innovation into our everyday practices; we
quickly deployed to our sites. engage with external experts who can
help us make a difference for customers
and end-consumers. On page six you can
During the 2017/18 period, we’ve invested read about our partners and the research
over £4.6m into projects through the we are doing with business and academia.
Network Innovation Allowance (NIA)
funding mechanism. Our innovation
projects involved more than 85 people Innovation has always been in the DNA of
working on NIA, NIC and Totex projects. National Grid and over the next few pages
That’s over 14,000 hours on NIA and NIC I’m proud to share the work that we have
projects and a total of more than 15,660 been doing to continue that tradition. The
hours on Totex projects from world-class future starts here.
researchers and engineers. These hours
have contributed towards making sure we
have the right people working on the 49 David Wright
projects that were underway at the end of Director
April 2018. We can also ensure we Electricity Transmission
successfully and effectively implement the Group Chief Electricity Engineer
output of those projects we have closed
off. During that 2017/18 period, these
totalled 34.
03 ET Annual Summary 2017/18
Innovation
Altering our DNA and investing in the future
“Gas Insulated Lines Innovation is in our DNA and as such, we are
(GIL) provide greater continuously reshaping ourselves for the rapidly
flexibility to meet changing energy landscape.
demands, such as
the increasing desire
for underground This landscape is seeing an increasing our industry thinks about decarbonisation
amount of renewable energy sources and sustainability.
power transmission come online and transformational changes
lines, especially in to the transport and energy infrastructure.
This is also reflected in an increased
This year we have also increased our
engagement with our stakeholders and
areas of outstanding demand from household and commercial suppliers, at both national and international
natural beauty consumers to match the fast-paced digital level, because the future energy network
world they live in and the drive for reduced will also be impacted by what happens
like national parks carbon emissions. It has become obvious outside our area of influence. This has led
or highly densely that the transmission network needs to us to develop a new strategy where we
reflect that demand. focus our research efforts within value
populated areas themes, so we ensure our spending creates
like cities. The Our approach has been to broaden our value for customers.
portfolio of innovative projects and reshape
potential deployment our business and innovation processes
of enhanced GIL to be agile enough to explore a wide
range of solutions to drive costs down. All
solutions is viewed while continuing to identify new ways and
by both National technologies to improve the environmental
and safety benefits of our work.
Grid and Siemens
as a potential game Over the past year, we’ve invested £4.6m into
49 NIA projects. But growing our business
changer in the global means we must look beyond the NIA and
transmission sector.” NIC funding frameworks and invest our own
money to develop long-term solutions.
Matthias Müller
Director One example has been our investment
Power Transmission Lines
Siemens of £20m into a £40m initiative to research Official signing of the GIL Innovation
and develop the use of Gas Insulated Partnership January 2018. Clockwise from top
Lines (GIL), as well as new gases with left: Carl Ennis, Managing Director, Energy
global warming potential of less than ten, Management Division, Siemens; Simon Harnett,
for transmission purposes as part of the Head of UK Procurement, National Grid; David
first European Innovation Partnership with Wright, Director ETO, National Grid; and Miko
Siemens. It is also an example of how we Düsel, Chief Executive Officer of Business Unit
are playing our part in transforming the way Transmission Solutions, Siemens.
04 ET Annual Summary 2017/18
Innovation
Innovation consumer value themes
The best way of ensuring we have an aligned
and broad portfolio of research is to channel it
through four customer value themes. These are:
managing assets, efficient build, service delivery
and corporate responsibility.
Managing assets Efficient build
£3.44m £1.34m
spend in 2017/18 spend in 2017/18
We’re constantly looking for ways We’re continuing to reduce the
to increase the lifespan of our cost of building new infrastructure.
assets. During the 2017/18 period, Examples of where we’ve invested
we spent £3.44m understanding the £1.34m during the 2017/18
what can be done to increase period include trialling new
their lifespan and performance. materials and products, finding
The more we know, the better we equipment that can be used more
can maintain assets at the lowest flexibly, and improving the design
cost and with the least amount of of the network.
disruption to our customers.
Corporate
Service delivery responsibility
£0.24m £0.84m
spend in 2017/18 spend in 2017/18
As the transmission network
Researching and developing safer
changes, we find new ways to
working practices is a critical
provide value to our customers
element of delivering network
and consumers. The 2017/18
reliability. Our investment of £0.84m
investment of £0.24m has helped
in corporate responsibility projects
our understanding of present
in 2017/18 included looking at
and future expectations, so we
the entire build and maintenance
can develop the right products
process. This helped to find safe,
and services.
efficient scaffolding-erection
techniques, and reduce noise
pollution on urban substations.
05 ET Annual Summary 2017/18
Partnerships
Working with partners
“Working with the Any modern business that wants to deliver the
academic partners best value to its customers must put collaboration
allows National Grid at the front of its strategy. This is why we, at
to leverage their
innovation funds, National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET)
providing additional have been building partnerships with the best
benefit to the people in the engineering community.
industry and
our consumers.”
Collaboration widens our perspective of the We believe that a proactively managed
Ian Cotton industry, increases our knowledge and at the portfolio of projects at different technology
Professor of High same time means we can share our readiness levels is key to deliver sustainable
Voltage Technology experiences and insights with the rest of the innovation. We want to keep the work flow full
The University of Manchester engineering community. It also guarantees of new ideas; they are the basis for
we are aligned to deliver the best value for innovation. Universities are key in this area,
consumers and stakeholders. both from the point of developing new ideas
“Our long-standing and providing state-of-the-art facilities. We
partnership has Recent examples of collaborations include currently have three strategic academic
the development of an alternative to SF6, partners: The University of Manchester,
meant technical known as Green Gas for Grid (g3) with GE Cardiff University and the University of
and skill sharing Grid Solutions. This led to the delivery of the
first 400kV electricity system with an SF6
Southampton. We also have projects running
with 17 other academic institutions across
with National Grid; alternative. From the success of the work, we the UK. In the coming year, we are looking at
including highly came to realise there are several other
potential alternatives to SF6 and have been
increasing our strategic relationships both
nationally and internationally.
trained students collaborating with 3M, Siemens and both
and staff, mitigation Cardiff University and The University of The £40m Innovation Partnership with
Manchester. You can find out more about Siemens to research and use Gas Insulated
of safety voltages, our research and testing of alternative Lines (GIL) on the electricity transmission
and trials of insulating gases on page 10. network has, to date, allowed us to develop a
new way of collaboratively working with our
alternative gases international partners to drive the industry
to replace SF6.” We want to develop an
forward. We will be looking at rolling out this
co-creation initiative further with both
Manu Haddad alternative to SF6 with a Global suppliers and customers in the near future.
Director Warming Potential (GWP) of less
Advanced High Voltage than ten. The GWP scale, or ratio, Our collaboration extends to our involvement
Engineering Research Centre with initiatives across the UK. One of these is
Cardiff University was developed for comparing
the global warming impacts of FLEXIS, a £24.5m Welsh university (Cardiff,
Swansea and USW), industry and local
different gases, where Carbon government partnership researching the
dioxide (CO2) is used as the decarbonisation of energy systems. Hywel
reference gas with a GWP set Thomas, FLEXIS Lead Principal Investigator,
equal to one. GWP values allow said: “Given the importance of National Grid
us to compare the impact of in the electrical energy sector, we highly
emissions and reductions of value our partnership in the areas of
environmentally-friendly electrical power
different gases.
plants and insulation, liquid soil and smart
geogrids. We’re very grateful to have Dr Iliana
Portugues, Head of Innovation, on our
Advisory Board. Her influence is important in
directing our future demonstrator work.”
06 ET Annual Summary 2017/18
Strategic
Conferences Out and about
Euro TechCon 2017
(November): As you read in the previous section, we Our colleagues regularly attend and take
We attended the 2017 place collaboration and partnerships at part in conferences, events, and high-profile
Euro TechCon in Glasgow the centre of our approach to innovation. industry meetings across the country and
during November 2017. This means we can be open to learning abroad. While it isn’t always possible to
We gave a presentation different ways of thinking and discovering capture the many informal conversations
on how the Deeside facility new points of view. It also allows us to share and breakout sessions where knowledge
will accelerate the roll-out what we learn from our innovation work with sharing takes place, a review of some of the
of new technologies industry and academia and help the conferences and meetings we have
and services. shaping of our industry. attended this year gives an understanding of
where we have been sharing our insights.
LCNI 2017
(December):
The LCNI (Low Carbon
Networks and Innovation) Call for proposals
conference in December
2017 was, once again,
a great opportunity to Gas Insulated Lines invite engineers from industry and
talk to our stakeholders, innovation partnership academia to submit their ideas to be
explore new opportunities In early 2017 we launched a procurement considered for research funding.
and gain valuable event in relation to the development,
feedback on the projects production and installation of Gas There were three categories for
we showcased on our Insulated Lines, tunnelled, direct or the submissions:
stand. The conference non-direct buried installation and
was a chance to meet Replacement Gas using innovative • C
hallenge one: cable asset
and discuss potential technologies. This bespoke contract health indicators.
collaborations with combines three elements within one
network operators, contract, which helps both us and • Challenge two: transforming civil
academic institutions, suppliers to co-invest in high-risk infrastructure for all transmission assets.
suppliers, generators and innovations with an incentive around their
manufacturers on future success. This novel contractual • C
hallenge three: solutions to increasing
innovation projects. arrangement addresses one of the main transmission boundary power flows.
concerns we have heard from many of
Future Networks our innovation stakeholders who feel the The judging team received 25
Conference (April): barrier for adoption of innovation is high submissions that went through a review
In April 2018 we and difficult to overcome. and presentation process and 11 projects
presented a talk on were chosen. These have now been
driving value through Masters of innovation competition funded through the Network Innovation
innovation at the Future We launched the Masters of Innovation Allowance (NIA) scheme and will go
Networks Conference competition in 2017 as an open call to through to the formal sanction process.
in London.
Future of Utilities (July):
In July 2018 we talked
about the digitalisation Dissemination events
of our industry and how
innovation is shaping the Novel acoustic attenuation: MIDEL 7131:
future at the Future of We shared the outcomes of our research In July 2017 we invited representatives
Utilities Conference into reducing noise pollution with internal from SSE, Energy Networks, WSP, PB
in London. and external stakeholders at Walton Hall World, M&I Materials, The Environment
in May 2018. Invited guests included Agency and Siemens to National Grid
Sonobex, SP Energy Networks, WSP, House. We shared updates and outcomes
Merford and Northern Power Grid. of our research on the uses of MIDEL 7131
(find out more on page 13).
07 ET Annual Summary 2017/18
NIA projects
Updates on key projects
In the previous section, we covered the projects and where our collaborations and
events and conferences where we shared research have led us. As you will see, the
updates on our projects and invited research has uncovered a wide range of
engineers to take part in the Masters of solutions to engineering and environmental
Innovation contest. Over the next few pages issues that are going to extend the efficient
you can read more about some of those lifespan and cost-effectiveness of our assets.
Title:
How advanced materials are improving the
Feasibility study on the future of our network
application of advanced
materials
Project reference number: Faults on our equipment can often result infrastructure. Potential solutions included
NIA_NGET0176 in system downtime while repairs are using graphene and materials that respond
Consumer value theme : carried out. If we want to maximise the life to their environment or self-heal.
Efficient Build and performance of the network, using
advanced materials could significantly The biggest impact is likely to be seen in
improve reliability and reduce the the ratings of overhead lines and buried
environmental impact of our assets. cables, where advanced materials and
processes could increase performance
The first step has been to work with The by around 40 per cent and 330 per cent
Innovation University of Manchester to review the respectively. This could meet the increased
in numbers: current research literature. We identified
over 50 potential solutions for improved
demand for electricity as the UK plans to
phase out diesel and petrol vehicles in
480km
sustainability and network resilience. These favour of electric vehicles by 2040.
ranged from the need to increase the
ratings of conductors, to new materials for Over the next 12 months we will be
of line analysed monitoring the performance of assets and selecting the most promising projects to
improved materials for the network’s civil develop further.
Title:
Increasing the lifespan for overhead lines
Novel methodology for
assessing environmental This year we completed a research rate of conductors and fittings. We can
exposure of OHL routes programme to extend the life of our now fine-tune our asset replacement
Project reference number: overhead line fittings. We now have plans and target spending on the assets
NIA_NGET0206 a greater understanding of how the with the highest risk of developing defects
Consumer value theme : environment affects our overhead line and failures. So far, we have analysed
Managing Assets spans and how the energy input from 480km of line, reducing our RIIO-T1
wind-induced motion and corrosive spending by £72m from last year.
compounds increases the deterioration
08 ET Annual Summary 2017/18
NIA projects
Using bamboo to reduce noise involves
drilling holes in the bamboo. By altering
the radius and length of the hole, the
resonant frequency can be changed.
This allows you to ‘tune’ the bamboo and
reduce the frequency of noise you’re
trying to control.
Title:
Keeping the noise down for the neighbours
Novel acoustic attenuation
feasibility study Many of our substations are built near associated with substations, an active noise
Project reference number: or right in the heart of communities. To control system that works on the principle of
NIA_NGET0203 understand how we can reduce the impact phase cancellation and a noise enclosure
Consumer value theme:
of transformer noise on those communities, with potential to deploy quickly that uses
Efficient Build we commissioned a report on novel, fewer resources than current options.
cost-effective and practical solutions. We
selected three options from the report to We are now working with the researchers
install and test. These were a bamboo noise and suppliers to develop these for trials at
barrier, tuned to reduce low frequency tones our substations.
Title:
First test area complete at Deeside
Offline Substation Environment
for the Acceleration of
Innovative Technologies
Preparation of the Deeside project has awarded in May 2018. Construction is
(OSEAIT)
progressed significantly over the past year. due to finish in April 2019. This important
Design, development and tendering for the milestone will bring the first operational area
Project reference number: overhead line (OHL) test area has been into service so that project trials can begin.
NGETEN02
completed with the construction contract You can read the full report on page 17.
09 ET Annual Summary 2017/18
NIA projects
Building our understanding of EMFs
Title:
Identify opportunities and
developments in EMF As substations continue to become part polls. The other initiative is membership
research of the built environment, public concerns of the Electric Power Research Institute’s
Project reference number: over the effects of Electrical Magnetic Fields (EPRI) EMF programme, where our
NIA_NGET0184 (EMFs) on health have risen. subscription (and that of other companies)
Consumer value theme: supports a broad and balanced programme
Corporate Responsibility We have been carrying out research to of research.
address these concerns through two
NIA-funded initiatives. The first was to We have been investigating and sharing our
increase our knowledge and understanding unique insights into assessing occupational
of public concerns through a review of exposure to EMFs with the international
current research literature, engage with scientific community.
Innovation researchers and carry out public opinion
in numbers:
900
calls to our EMF
Helpline per year
20,000
unique visitors to our
EMF website
www.emfs.info
per month
Replacing SF6 to reduce global impact
Title:
SF6 management and
alternative gases The unique characteristics of Sulphur and CO2 could withstand the equivalent
Project reference number: hexafluoride (SF6) make it an ideal electrical performance that using SF6 in
NIA_NGET0163 insulator for use in high-voltage electrical this configuration would have given.
Consumer value theme: applications. This is why it has proven
Corporate Responsibility difficult to find a substitute in the 40 years it We have also been working closely with
has been used in substation equipment. Cardiff University to investigate the use
of other alternatives to SF6, in switchgear,
The downside is that SF6 is a potent such as Trifluoroiodomethane. This will
greenhouse gas with a global warming also further our understanding of the
“In addition to the impact 23,900 times higher than carbon long-term behaviour of a variety of new
dioxide. Emissions of SF6 currently make up gas mixtures that might replace SF6 in
local benefits, the a large percentage of our carbon footprint. the switchgear market. To this end, we
SF6 alternatives recently started a project for small-scale
project is an In the search for a substitute, we have stability tests of these gases under different
been running a pilot installation of an operating conditions and in the presence
important step in SF6-free, 420kV busbar at Sellindge for of various materials. Measurement of
finding alternative the past year. Because of this pilot, our
confidence in this new gas technology has
chemical by-products resulting from, for
example, exposure to electrical arcing
gases which are increased. Monitoring and assessment will will enhance our knowledge of how to
both safer and more continue, ensuring there are no signs of
long-term deterioration.
manage these solutions in the long-term.
environmentally This is a valuable first step towards
friendly.” A test rig, consisting of a sample of replacing SF6 across the network, but
modern 420kV gas insulated busbar, considerable effort and investment is
Mark Waldron designed for use with pure SF6, was still needed to achieve a fully proven,
Switchgear Technical Leader commissioned at the University of retro-fitted solution that suits the unique
Manchester. A programme of tests design of many substations.
demonstrated that a mixture of Novec 4710
The trend towards SF6 alternatives looks set to continue in the future, judging by the
increased interest in research from international parties over the past few years. This
has been partly stimulated and accelerated by the commercial availability of Green
Gas for Grid (g3) solutions and pilot projects such as Sellindge.
10 ET Annual Summary 2017/18NIA projects
Title:
Portable earthing devices are improving site
Portable earthing device efficiency and safety
Project reference number:
NIA_NGET0201
Consumer value theme: Replacing, repairing or maintaining merits of several concept designs before
Managing Assets electricity substation assets is a complex the detailed design stage. Following the
process. A key activity is earthing and manufacture and commissioning (including
de-earthing the high-level busbars. The stability and full functionality tests) of a
development of the portable earthing prototype in September 2017, the device
device means our staff can now work was European Conformity (CE) marked as
more efficiently and safely, which reduces safe to use.
outage time and delivers much needed
cost-savings to customers. Since December 2017 the prototype has
been put through tests at Walpole 400kV
The motorised device will allow engineers substation and used during many outage
to apply flexible earths to busbars (for all occasions. This has given us feedback on
voltages) from ground level, reducing the its performance, strengths and limitations.
amount of manual handling needed, and
providing greater control. This reduces The next step is to deploy the prototype unit
the risk to workers by removing the need at more sites for trials and further feedback
to work at height, which comes with other to improve the design. These improvements
earthing methods. will lead to better units being used by us,
bringing the benefits to everyday site work.
At each stage of the project we consulted
with stakeholders, exploring the relative
11 ET Annual Summary 2017/18NIA projects
Raising the heights of British industry
Title:
Cost effective removal of
conductor crossing clearance We believe innovation should not only Traditional solutions to this sort of problem
constraints benefit our own business, but all British are often expensive and inconvenient. We
Project reference number: industry. When we extended the height of designed a novel, cost-effective solution to
NIA_NGET0198 our Tyne river overhead lines we put that increase the height of the conductors by
Consumer value theme :
belief into action. five metres. This method has been used
Managing Assets before on the network but never on two
In 2016, the Newcastle yard of the adjacent towers and never on a 130m river
Offshore Group, on the banks of the crossing tower. Our design solution gave
Tyne, was commissioned to build wind Offshore Group the confidence that they
turbine foundation structures. However, could deliver the structures and they won
the existing 130m overhead lines across the contract.
Innovation the Tyne presented a problem. Offshore
in numbers: Group’s yard is upriver of the crossing and
the commissioned structures were taller
Outages and land access were secured at
short notice and we developed new working
100m
than the height of the line (almost 85m tall methods. The project was completed in June
in some cases). Before Offshore Group 2017 against a challenging timeline, while still
could guarantee the yard would deliver the ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
high order, they approached us to find a way to
increase the height of the line.
12 ET Annual Summary 2017/18NIA projects
VSATT and process bus technology
Title:
Digital Substation – virtual site
acceptance testing & training As monitoring systems become capable showed that the performance, stability and
Project reference number: of processing and capturing more data, engineering process met our requirements.
NIA_NGET0162 the need to replace traditional copper
Consumer value theme:
connections with digital ones is becoming To further test vendor-interoperability of
Efficient Build critical to the future resilience of the AS3, a follow-up project known as Virtual
transmission network. A digital system Site Acceptance Testing and Training
with standardised architecture could also (VSATT) was launched. To test AS3-
improve modelling of supply needs and based substation systems in an off-grid
asset health, along with improved security. environment a laboratory was built at The
University of Manchester.
Cost-savings could also be made because
of reduced construction time, integration The VSATT project started in September
with digital networks and the ability to mix 2015 and ran for two years. We found that
and match the most cost-effective products integrating solutions from multiple vendors
from a range of vendors. is possible, but it requires further work to
ensure the process is seamless. Our results
However, digital connections require have been shared with suppliers and other
standardised communication architecture. stakeholders to guide specifications and
So, in 2008 we began developing a configuration design.
standardised architecture known as
Architecture of Substation Secondary Routine use of digital substations is now
Systems (AS3). Working with four different one step closer, with the first rollout of
suppliers, we installed four digital protection process bus solutions expected in 2019.
bays in parallel to conventional bays on the
transmission network. These trial installations
Title:
Environment Containment
Solution of MIDEL 7131
Project reference number:
NIA_NGET0178
Consumer value theme:
Efficient Build
“In Manchester,
we are particularly
proud of the
Transformer
Research
Consortium that
sees National Grid
work with a range MIDEL transformers
of partners, and
has resulted in the
The likely increases in the demand for design footprint of the substation.
delivery of three electricity from the decarbonisation of
transformers filled transport and heat are bringing their The result of our research has been the
own unique challenges to modern urban installation of three MIDEL 7131 (a synthetic
with a fluid that substations. Among them, increasing safety ester) filled transformers at our Highbury
is safer and more and making the most of the limited space substation and the sanctioning of two more
available in inner cities. at our Willesden site.
environmentally
friendly than One approach has been our research into This brings the installation of new and
the use of low fire-hazard, biodegradable replacement, compact, low fire-hazard
other oils.” and cost-effective liquids (such as synthetic transformers on tight urban sites a
Ian Cotton esters) in our super grid transformers step closer to being business as usual.
Professor of High (SGTs). These alternatives to commonly Meanwhile, we are working with suppliers to
Voltage Technology used mineral oils remove the need to install ensure that the price difference from using
The University of Manchester and maintain extensive fire protection synthetic ester-filled transformers is low
systems, and consequently reduce the enough to deliver value for consumers.
13 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Strategy
Shaping up to meet the future
We are continuously exploring new ways of
working and shaping our business to meet the
challenges of the evolving energy landscape.
This year we developed the Electricity • A new Network Innovation Competition
Transmission Innovation Strategy to proposal focused on the future energy
enhance this activity by investigating network.
contemporary ideas to help define and
shape the future of our industry, to anticipate • 2018’s Masters of Innovation competition.
our customer needs and give them what
they will want. We are introducing new • An increased number of stakeholder
programmes in materials research, digital innovation events to help us further
solutions and electrification of transport at develop our programme of work.
“Innovation is a the forefront of our innovation, and helping
paradox. On the organisations who, historically, have not • A new programme of work around
been involved with our industry, understand electrification of transport.
one hand, it can’t be the commercial opportunities from their
forced or managed involvement. Our new strategy looks at how • A new programme of work around
to innovate for the near and distant future, the effective and efficient integration of
in the usual sense, for the customer and society of today and energy vectors.
on the other hand, that of 2060. Alongside our research into
the needs of the present and future markets, • Create a programme of work for digital
we have to stimulate our strategy aims to drive increased and transformation, focused on setting up
it and create the more meaningful partnerships to develop a
clear view of the cutting-edge technologies
the foundation and platforms necessary
that will allow us and our innovation
preconditions for it.” for the years ahead, working collaboratively partners to develop novel artificial
to drive them forwards at pace. intelligence solutions to improve the way
Iliana Portugues
Head of Innovation we do things.
Electricity Transmission As such, our plan, while looking to lead
new technologies into the marketplace, is • Continue to drive innovations in the areas
underpinned by actively managing and of transmission, both under and above
prioritising customer and stakeholder ground, developing a strong portfolio of
relationships. The adjacent list, while not work to drive down costs.
comprehensive, gives a broad flavour of
the work we will be doing to achieve this in • Begin a new programme of work to
the coming financial year. If you want to be deliver targets innovation in conjunction
involved, please drop us an email at box. with our customers and stakeholders.
ETO.InnovationTeam@nationalgrid.com
The innovation team
This year, our innovation strategy and plan Institute (EPRI) for her PhD on developing
have evolved to reflect the challenges of a system for using antennae. Iliana then
the contemporary environment. Equally, we moved to the University of Strathclyde
have developed and added new people to as a research fellow, where in 2007 she
the innovation team in the past 12 months spun out the technology into Elimpus
to meet these challenges. Ltd. In 2010, Iliana went to work as a
Sensor Laboratory Manager and Senior
Iliana Portugues heads up Electricity Project Manager for EPRI, before moving
Transmission Innovation at National Grid, back to the University of Strathclyde in
and joined the team in 2014. 2012 as Director of the Power Networks
Demonstration Centre.
Iliana graduated from the University
of Bath with a MEng in Electronic and If you would like to get in touch to discuss
Communications Engineering, where she developing an idea for the transmission
also obtained sponsorship from National network, email box.ETO.InnovationTeam@
Grid and the Electric Power Research nationalgrid.com
14 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Project portfolio
Project portfolio
To learn more about the projects, click the title to be taken to the ENA smarter
networks portal or visit: www.smarternetworks.org
Project Project name Partners
reference
NIA_NGET0013 Tablet interface for a SF6 mass flow top-up device DILO Armaturen and Anlagen GmbH
NIA_NGET0015 Dinorwig Thermal Cycling and Cable Rating The University of Southampton, Doble PowerTest
NIA_NGET0102 13kV Shunt Reactor Refurbishment ABB
NIA_NGET0104 Proof of Concept for IEC61850 Process Bus Technology ABB
NIA_NGET0018 Potentials and profiles around earth electrodes and opposite-side injection for Cardiff University
large-area earthing
NIA_NGET0025 Feasibility Study for Sustainable Substation Design Ove Arup and Partners
NIA_NGET0040 Magnetic Models for Transformers Cardiff University, The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0043 Live Line Working Equipment Ashbrook Engineering Ltd, Bond Aviation Group, Bond
Helicopters Europe, Eurocopter UK, New and Renewable Energy
Centre, Northern Connectors, Oxford Computer Consultants, P&B
Weir Electrical, RS Components, The University of Manchester,
The University of Southampton, Clydesdale Bank, TTI Testing,
Cunningham Design, T.M. Utley Offshore PLC, Du Monte UK,
Bridge Engineering UK, Rotary Wing Ltd, Broadcast Media
Services, Hiatco, John Werrell & Son Ltd, Airbus Helicopters
NIA_NGET0048 Cables with Long Electrical Sections The University of Southampton, The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0056 Humber Smartzone Pilot Project EPRI, Ampacimon, Invisible Systems Ltd, Global
Substation Solutions, The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0060 Application of DC circuit-breakers in DC Grids Cardiff University
NIA_NGET0073 Partial discharge monitoring of DC cable (DCPD) The University of Southampton
NIA_NGET0079 Rapid Deployment Ballistic Screens Access Design & Engineering, RS Components, Photron
(Europe), Doble PowerTest, C3global, Radnor Range
NIA_NGET0083 Cable Oil Regeneration Enervac Corporation, JSM Group, Midlands Truck & Van, Utilise
NIA_NGET0088 Transformer Research Consortium The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0089 Impact of HVDC Cable Operation on Telecommunication Lines PowerSure Technology
NIA_NGET0090 Cable Extraction JSM
NIA_NGET0092 Partial Discharge on Existing HV Cable Elimpus, Doble PowerTest, Prysmian Group, NDB Technologies
NIA_NGET0093 Online Gas in Oil Analysis on Existing HV Cables Invisible Systems, Doble PowerTest
NIA_NGET0103 Modelling the tape corrosion process for oil-filled underground cables The University of Leicester
NIA_NGET0107 Stakeholder attitudes to electricity infrastructure The University of Exeter
NIA_NGET0109 Bushing and Instrument Transformer Test Tap Connection Condition Assessment Elisys Engineering, Process Parameters, Elimpus, Invisible
Tool Systems, GE Grid Solutions (UK), Macintosh Consultancy
NIA_NGET0112 Enhanced AC and DC safety voltage limits assessment Cardiff University
NIA_NGET0117 Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker Bushing In Situ Refurbishment NAREC Electrical Networks
NIA_NGET0130 Determining a threshold for magnetophosphenes perception at 50Hz Lawson Health Research Institute
NIA_NGET0132 UltraWire University of Cambridge, Outotec, National Grid, Aurubis, Aalto
University, CNT ltd, Nexans, AGH, KME, IOM, PSA Peugeot
Citroen, Wieland
NIA_NGET0135 Enhanced Sensor Development (iCASE Award) The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0136 Impact of Seabed Properties on Ampacity and Reliability of Cables (iCASE Award) The University of Southampton
NIA_NGET0140 OHL Condition Assessment Brunel University London, Amey
NIA_NGET0141 T-pylon Structure and Composite Insulator Testing Europea De Construcciones Metalicas SA, Russell Ductile Castings
Ltd, STRI, Valmont SM A/S, EPL Composite Solutions, Allied
Insulators, Eaves Machining, Lapp Insulators, SPIE SAG Group.
NIA_NGET0143 Transient and Clearances in the Future Electrical Transmission Systems (iCASE Award) The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0147 Condition Monitoring of Power Assets (COMPASS) The Watt, PSC Group
NIA_NGET0148 Network Reliability Asset Replacement Decision Support Tool The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0153 Life Cycle Costing and Value Optimisation (iCASE Award) The University of Bath
NIA_NGET0160 Feasibility of Risk based Network Planning The University of Manchester
15 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Project portfolio
Project portfolio – continued
Project Project name Partners
reference
NIA_NGET0162 Digital Substation – Virtual Site Acceptance Testing & Training The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0163 SF6 Management and Alternative Gases Cardiff University, The University of Manchester, GE Grid Solutions
NIA_NGET0164 Evaluation of a Novel Variant of ACCC HTLS Conductor Lapp Insulators, Nexans Benelux, Central Engineering &
Hydraulic Services, CBS Products
NIA_NGET0165 Transformer Rating Modelling Tool Enhancement Oxford Computer Consultants, Southampton Dielectric Consultants
Ltd, The University of Southampton
NIA_NGET0166 VSC-HVDC Model Validation and Improvement (iCASE) The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0168 A New Independent Methodology For P&C Coordination Studies Using Real Time The University of Birmingham
Digital Simulation
NIA_NGET0176 Feasibility study on the application of advanced materials The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0178 Environmental Containment solutions for MIDEL 7131 Adler and Allan, Parsons Brinckerhoff
NIA_NGET0179 Travelling Wave Fault Locator Trial
NIA_NGET0180 EPRI Research Collaboration on Electric & Magnetic Fields Health & Safety (P60) 2016 EPRI
NIA_NGET0181 Classification of Wind Exposed Overhead line Spans Digital Engineering
NIA_NGET0182 Feasibility study on suitability of protection policy for future energy scenarios The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0184 Identify opportunities and developments in EMF Research (2016-2018) Torrance
NIA_NGET0185 Investigation of transient and safety issues in gas insulated systems Cardiff University
NIA_NGET0186 Condition Monitoring of Circuit Breakers - (iCASE) The University of Liverpool
NIA_NGET0189 Security Assessment of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) EPRI
NIA_NGET0190 EPRI Research Collaboration on Cyber Security 2016 (P183) EPRI
NIA_NGET0191 EPRI Research Collaboration on Grid Planning (P40) EPRI
NIA_NGET0194 Detailed design of 400kV 240MVA Mobile Substation Bay ABB
NIA_NGET0195 EPRI Research Collaboration on Substations 2016 (P37) EPRI
NIA_NGET0196 EPRI Research Collaboration on Overhead Lines 2016 (P35) EPRI
NIA_NGET0197 Development of fittings analysis model Amey
NIA_NGET0198 Cost effective removal of conductor crossing clearance constraints
NIA_NGET0199 Alternatives to SF6 for retro-filling existing equipment The University of Manchester
NIA_NGET0200 Study into the Concept of High Impact, Low Probability Events
NIA_NGET0201 Portable Earthing Device Aldercote Ltd
NIA_NGET0202 Development of a Universal Bushing Abb Group, BTRAC Ltd, John Graham
NIA_NGET0203 Novel acoustic attenuation feasibility study WSP Environmental Ltd
NIA_NGET0204 Frequency Response Analysis for Transformer Characterisation and Objective The University Of Manchester
Interpretation of Results
NIA_NGET0206 Novel methodology for assessing environmental exposure of OHL routes Digital Engineering
NIA_NGET0207 Development of Tools for the Assessment and Control of Impressed Voltage P&B Weir Electrical
NIA_NGET0208 EPRI Research Collaboration on Electric & Magnetic Fields Health & Safety (P60) EPRI
2017-2021
NIA_NGET0209 EPRI Research Collaboration on Overhead Lines (P35) 2017 EPRI
NIA_NGET0210 EPRI Research Collaboration on Substations (P37) 2017-2020 EPRI
NIA_NGET0211 Controllable Series Impedance at 275 and 400kV (CSI) Manitoba HVDC Research Centre, Smart Wire Grid Inc
NIA_NGET0213 Condition and Climatic Environment for Power Transformers (ConCEPT) The Watt Ltd
NIA_NGET0214 Transformer and Transformer Oil Life Optimisation and Management Through The University of Manchester, M&I Materials Limited, SP Power
Analysis and Modelling Systems Limited, SHELL Research Limited, TJ/H2b Technology
Services LLC, UK Power Networks (Operations) Ltd, WEIDMANN
Electrical Technology AG, SGB-SMIT Management GmbH,
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc., Cargill Incorporated
Materials Limited
NIA_NGTO005 EPRI Research Collaboration on Information and Communication Technology (P161) EPRI
NIA_NGTO007 EPRI Research Collaboration on Electric Transportation (P18) EPRI
NIA_NGTO006 Automated identification of failures in HV assets The University of Manchester
16 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Our Network Innovation
Competition Project
Deeside
17Deeside
Overview
The past 12 months have seen significant use of the capabilities that are available.
work taking place on the Deeside facility in We are also fully developing the designs
preparation for the start of construction work and making certain the contractual
on the site. The design, development and arrangements are in place so we can start
tender work for the overhead line (OHL) test work as soon as possible. The next year will
area was completed, with the construction see the design, development and tender
contract being awarded in June 2018. activity completed for the substation section
Construction will be completed by April of the facility, along with the procurement
2019 and will be an important milestone of long lead time test equipment. This
for the facility, bringing the first energised, delay will therefore not impact the overall
operational area into service so that completion date of the project.
innovation project trials can begin.
We have continued to review the costs and
The handover of the rest of the substation, benefits. The existing control building will
due to operational reasons, might be be refurbished to reduce expenditure. The
delayed until 2019 as opposed to 2018 as construction of the new storage building has
was initially projected. The impact of this been put on hold until we have completed
risk is being managed through progress the tender process for the substation area
on the OHL area and considered selection (expected in the last quarter of this new
of the project trials to ensure we make full financial year).
18 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Collaboration
Deeside
Business case update
The project is on track to deliver the benefits SDRC 9.7 Completion of stage two
we outlined in the original bid. Presently, construction works (May 2018)
only our cashable benefits of innovation The construction of the internal access
projects have been quantified and road is also delayed. This work will be
forecasted. Over the next reporting period undertaken as part of the construction of
we will work with other LNOs to forecast the OHL area, expected to complete in April
the benefits to the whole industry from the 2019. As per SDRC 9.5 (see previous), this
project trials. does not impact the innovation programme
or project benefits.
Progress against plan
The project is on track for completion in SDRC 9.6 Approval of phase two
October 2020. Some of the works and innovation programme
key milestones have been re-sequenced This has been delayed by two months
to manage uncertainties and changes in because of lack of availability of technical
the plan. advisory board members and rescheduling
of the meeting from March to April 2018.
SDRC 9.5 Completion of stage one Projects are now approved.
construction works (June 2017)
The construction of the control building Progress against budget
refurbishment has been delayed and is The project is on track to deliver within
expected to be completed in April 2019 – a budget. Until construction works are
change request has been submitted for this complete there will be delivery risks that
work. This does not impact the innovation may require use of the contingency budget.
programme or potential benefits of the Designs for all areas of the facility have
facility, as the OHL area and other parallel been reviewed to ensure they are efficient
project trials can be delivered independently and to maintain the overall project forecast
of this construction work. The delay will within budget.
only influence the facility if it impacts the
commissioning of the substation (currently
expected in 2020).
Further information about the SDRC
codes and status can be seen in
Table 1. SDRC reference table.
2017 2018 2019 2020
Phase 3 Confirm Future
Commencement Arrangements
SDRC
Stage 1 Phase 2 Stage 2 Phase 3 Stage 3 Consolidate &
Completion Scope Completion Scope Completion Disseminate
Approval Approval Learning
Design/Tender Construction Refurbished Office Facilities Available
Construction FEED/Tender Detailed Design/Construction CHL Area (Fully) Operational
FEED/Tender Detailed Design/Construction Substation Area Operational
132kV Cable Sealing End Testing
Textured Insulators
Live Line Trial of Line Scout
Innovation Tower Foundation Inspections
Programme Zip-up Scaffold
Conductor Coating Systems (NIA)
Approved
Awaiting Approval
19 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Project updates
Project updates
Cable sealing end
The cable sealing end project trialled of silicone oil, leading to further research
a retrofit cable sealing end, developing projects that will develop the industry’s
new condition monitoring techniques for knowledge. Further testing of condition
cable sealing ends, and investigating the monitoring systems will begin later in 2018.
underlying reasons behind recent failures
of 132kV cable sealing ends. Investigations into failures of the cable
sealing ends revealed several areas that
The retrofit cable sealing end has gone the failure could be coming from. Further
through several design iterations to meet investigations using advanced analytics
our challenging specifications and is now in techniques looked at the information from
its final design iteration. dissolved gas analysis. This helped identify
different behaviours across the types of
Research into condition monitoring of cable cable sealing ends not previously known.
sealing ends assured us that they are not
near to failure. This meant people could Working with our domestic and global
work safely near our assets. As a result partners, we are gaining a better
of this research, we now have a greater understanding of the behaviour of
understanding of the electrical performance silicone-oil-filled cable sealing ends.
20 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Project updates
Textured insulators
The textured insulator project developed processes have been developed so
a novel insulator not used on the network the insulators can be made to a higher
before. These new insulators are the result standard than previous prototypes.
of a collaboration between Cardiff University,
the manufacturer and us. The insulators Test circuits, for comparing the performance
are created by impressing a textured of textured insulators to previous designs,
surface into their material. The result brings are presently under construction, along
improvements in the performance of the with the condition monitoring systems, to
underlying composite technology. measure the insulator’s performance.
The textured surface makes the The first prototypes will handle 11kV and
manufacturing difficult because of the be available from October 2018. The first
increased complexity of the material and transmission system level insulators will be
surface compared to previous designs. To available in the middle of 2019.
overcome this alternative manufacturing
Zip-up scaffold
National Grid is currently undertaking a repeated redesign would help reduce
bulk replacement of several 132kV cable outage times and reduce costs.
sealing ends. A key factor when carrying
out this type of replacement work is to This project is currently in the
have safe work areas and access to procurement phase. We have several
assets at an elevated height. Initial cost potential suppliers who could provide a
estimates show that scaffolding would be bespoke scaffold design to support the
a major part of the replacement costs. bulk replacement of cable sealing ends.
Once we have chosen a supplier, we
One way to make cost savings for will begin designing a new scaffold and
this type of work is to pre-fabricate carry out trials at the Deeside facility.
scaffolding. Removing the need for
Non-invasive tower foundation inspections
Overhead line tower foundations form a foundations, avoiding the need for digging,
critical part of the transmission infrastructure which would provide significant savings.
across the UK. Ensuring foundations are in
good condition is essential to keeping the The information collected from
public safe and our infrastructure resilient. non-invasive inspections can also be
combined with other asset data, providing
At the moment, we inspect tower a better understanding of all of our tower
foundations by exposing a significant foundations. Combining all sample data
proportion of the foundation and carrying could result in a reduction in the number
out a visual inspection and concrete of invasive inspections by improving
core testing. Non-invasive inspection confidence in the non-invasive techniques.
technologies already on the market This would provide savings to consumers,
may provide a clean and simple way while ensuring that the network is still safe
to understand the condition of tower and secure.
21 ET Annual Summary 2017/18Reference tables
Table 1. SDRC reference table
Ref Criteria Description Status
9.1 Formal agreement on Terms To achieve the efficiency required to meet the project’s objectives, Complete
of Reference with Technical it is essential that the other Transmission Licensees fully engage in
Advisory Board members. the Technical Advisory Board. An early indication that this project will
succeed will be in this Board agreeing the Terms of Reference.
9.2 Detailed design of The completion of both the infrastructure and technical layout designs Complete
the facility completed are an important milestone on the way to delivery of the overall project
and approved. as they will determine the level of testing/evaluation that can be carried
out, and at which stage.
9.3 Design, develop and One of the fundamental knowledge and dissemination channels for Complete
publish internet site. the project is the utilisation of the facility website, which will provide a
secure area to share the outputs with the other Transmission Licensees.
9.4 Scope of work for the With there being a phased handover of assets, it is essential to the Complete
phase one innovation project’s success that a detailed plan be put in place, based on the
programme approved. assets available during this phase. This plan will also include any
relevant Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) projects that can be
undertaken at this time.
9.5 Completion of stage one The completion of the construction of the buildings and the transfer of Due: June 2017
construction works. the protection and control panels to the new control room are a key Forecast: April 2019
milestone to the effective functioning and monitoring of the facility, as is Delayed due to change in
securing the perimeter of the overhead line enclosure. control building option.
Change request submitted.
No impact on completion date
or project benefits.
9.6 Scope of work for the The continuation of the phased handover of assets is essential to the Due: March 2018
phase two innovation project’s success and a detailed plan is to be put in place, based on Completed: May 2018
programme approved. the assets available during this phase. This plan will also include any Delayed due to TAB member
relevant NIA projects that can be undertaken at this time. availability, mitigated by early
presentation of two projects in
Nov 2017.
9.7 Completion of stage two The completion of the construction of the internal access road is a key Due: May 2018
construction works. milestone to the effective functioning of the facility, as this will enable Forecast: April 2019
the necessary vehicles to access all areas of the facility. To be delivered as part of
OHL area.
9.8 Scope of work for the The continuation of the phased handover of assets is essential to the March 2019
phase three innovation project’s success and that a detailed plan is put in place, based on On track
programme approved. the assets available during this phase. This plan will also include any
relevant NIA projects that can be undertaken at this time.
9.9 Commencement of The delivery of the innovation programme testing/evaluation is a key April 2019
phase three innovation milestone in the project and the ability to start operations at the facility On track
programme. is fundamental to the measurement of its success.
9.10 Completion of stage three The completion of the construction of the Gas Insulated Switchgear May 2019
construction works. enclosure is a key milestone to the effective functioning of the facility, as Forecast: April 2020
this will enable the delivery of GIS and SF6 testing/evaluation projects. Delayed by decommissioning
and handover of Deeside
substation.
9.11 Approval of model for The Technical Advisory Board will determine, based on the flow of October 2020
enduring facility. projects, the future of the facility.
9.12 Project close down. All project learning will be consolidated and disseminated appropriately. October 2020
22 ET Annual Summary 2017/18You can also read
