Han Xu, research and design engineer at the University of Strathclyde's Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC), on its unique capabilities to support the need for a flexible network.
The transition of Distribution Network Operators (DNO) to Distribution System Operators (DSO) will support the further integration of widespread renewable energy generation, storage facilities, demand side response services and the electrification of heat and transport.
To address the challenges associated with this transition, such as the vital need to respond to growing demand placed on the network by the growth of distributed energy resources, DNOs are looking to harness flexibility resources for network services in order to maintain a secure and reliable supply to customers.
At the PNDC, we have a collaborative research programme, formed of academia and industry, which is supporting our DNO members with their transition to DSO. A recent project commissioned by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) as part of their Open Networks Project, identified gaps and opportunities in current DNO innovation activity. Our findings fed into their Network Innovation Competition (NIC) call to creators and innovators to inform future developments in the energy sector.
We are currently underway with the development of a DSO testing platform in order to support evolving DSO operation. The platform can control and dispatch real network flexibility assets in real-time and demonstrate the impact and operational effectiveness of flexibility services on the distribution network.
The DSO testing platform will join the range of on-site assets at the PNDC including our: PHIL capability, HV/LV network, communication infrastructure, fast data acquisition system, control room and SCADA system.
These assets, partnered with our collaborative research programme, provides our members with the only comprehensive site for supporting and accelerating solutions for future DSO requirements.
Find out how we can support you at: pndc.co.uk