This project demonstrates the deployment of a new power electronic reactive compensation unit capable of dealing with a range of potential voltage problems.
The ability to improve power quality will reduce nuisance electrical disturbances such as light flicker for our customers as the 11kV Power Electronics equipment has the potential to reduce rapid voltage changes which can cause customers lights to flicker. Where the unit has been installed our customers have seen improvements in their quality of supply. This ability to better manage the network by limiting voltage and current fluctuation will also reduce the wear and tear on electrical equipment. The 11kV Power Electronics project also has the added benefit of being able to increase the output capacity from solar and small-scale wind generation connections.
Following initial testing and investigation of the devices at the Power Network Distribution Centre (PNDC), one 11kV Power Electronic unit was installed at a wind turbine site at Shawbost on the Isle of Lewis to specifically address customer complaints associated with voltage quality. This year the new unit has improved the voltage profile seen by our customers resulting in fewer sudden short losses of supply and a reduction in complaints associated with light flicker.
£732,000
June 2016 – September 2020
Kevin Dennis
