Go to the SP Energy Networks home page
Accessibility toolbar

Select Language:

Main menu

D-Suite Project

The D-Suite project is an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Low Voltage (LV) electrical power distribution networks with the development of three Power Electronic (PE) devices:

  • LV Distributed STATCOM: To manage voltage levels and improve power quality.

  • Distributed Soft Open Point: To enhance network flexibility and reliability.

  • Distributed Smart Transformer: To optimise energy distribution and efficiency.

Project Objectives

  • Trial Advanced Power Electronic Devices

  • Develop a Detailed LV Design Tool

  • Conduct extensive trials

  • Ensure compliance and safety

  • Collaborate and share learnings

Benefits for customers

  • Increased Network capacity

  • Improved reliability and stability

  • Support for renewable energy

  • Enhanced customer experience

  • Economic Benefits

Lead funding License and project manager.
UK Power Network LogoCollaborating network ensuring scalability and applicability to other regions.
Newcastle University LogoProviding expertise in power electronics, drivers, control and power systems.
Integrated Power Tech LogoResponsible for hardware design and control of D-suite modules.

Discovery

Phase cost £157,114

SMARTER NETWORKS PORTAL

Program
April 2023 - July 2023

Program - April 2023 - July 2023

WP1 - Identify Use Cases and Demand/Load Growth Forecasts
Mon 03/04/23 - Fri 21/04/23

WP2 - Create a Report on the Landscape of PEDs Suitable For UK LV Networks
Mon 24/04/23 - Fri 26/05/23

WP3 - Carry Out Design Specifications
Mon 29/05/23 - Fri 23/06/23

WP4 - Begin Commercialisation Planning and Identify a Feasible Route to Market
Mon 26/06/23 - Tue 25/07/23

Apr '23

May '23

Jun '23

Jul '23

Summary

Compared with conventional solutions, D-Suite better addresses both thermal and voltage issues, that are being increasingly experienced in LV networks. The TRL of this project in Discovery was approximately 4-5, and benefited from dedicated innovation support to uplift the readiness of the following technologies:

  • LV Distributed STATCOM (D-STATCOM).
  • Distributed Soft Open Point (D-SOP).
  • Distributed Smart Transformer (D-ST).
  • Distributed Harmonic Filter (D-HF).

Stage Milestones

  • Report on Identification on use cases and demand/load growth forecasts.

  • Report on the landscape of power electronic devices suitable for UK LV networks and inform technology development.

  • Design specifications based on the engineering, H&S and cyber considerations.

  • Commercialisation planning and identify a feasible route to market.

Stage Key Findings

  • 5% to 40% more of PV generation can be integrated without triggering reinforcement.

  • Additional income estimated to be £10k per annum per feeder for communities, based on a 20% uplift on a LV network fed by a 100kVA secondary transformer.

  • D-Suite technologies will increase the renewable connectivity, contribute to loss reduction due to the optimised voltage profile and local power balancing.

Alpha

Phase cost £550,224

SMARTER NETWORKS PORTAL

Program
October 2023 – April 2024

Program - October 2023 – April 2024

WP1 - Control Detailed Design and Algorithm Performance Analysis
Mon 02/10/23 - Fri 24/11/23

WP2 - Hardware Design and Control of D-Suite Modules
Mon 27/11/23 - Fri 08/03/24

WP3 - D-Suite Business Case and Standards Review
Mon 11/03/24 - Fri 12/04/24

WP4 and WP5 – Development of Suppliers and Identification of Sites
Mon 16/01/24 - Fri 01/03/24

Oct '23

Nov '23

Dec '23

Jan '24

Feb '24

Mar '24

Summary

The Alpha phase of D-Suite advanced the project from concept to implementation, fostering the LV PED market with modular, low-cost designs. It developed control, protection, design and planning tools, alongside safety documentation. Simulations assessed technical and financial benefits, identifying optimal deployment strategies. Several trial sites were selected, confirming the importance of PED placement and validating D-Suite’s potential in enhancing network performance and value.

Stage Milestones

  • Kickstart the LV PED market to produce innovative low-cost D-Suite designs based on modular DC- components.
  • Develop D-Suite control and protection strategies to maximise benefits and equipment safety.
  • Develop D-Suite design and planning tools.
  • Develop operation and safety documents for novel D-Suite technologies.
  • Simulate D-suite technologies and analyse technical benefits and revenue streams.
  • Select several D-suite technology trial sites.

Stage Key Findings

  • Partial PED rating requirements are between 30kVA and 120kVA.
  • 4 out of 6 future networks have shown technical and financial benefits using D-Suite.
  • Position on LV circuit is key for operational performance.

Beta

Phase cost £8,963,046

Program
November 2024 – October 2029

Program - November 2024 – October 2029

WP1 - Detailed Design & D-Suite Design Tool
Mon 04/11/24 - Fri 21/07/28

WP2 - Procurement, Installation and Commissioning
Mon 13/04/26 - Fri 16/03/29

WP3 - Trail and Operational Performance
Mon 12/03/29 - Fri 05/10/29

WP4 - BaU Integration
Mon 27/03/28 - Fri 05/10/29

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

Summary

The Beta phase focuses on validating and integrating D-Suite technologies into standard practice. It delivers a refined LV Design Tool to support planning and investment decisions, and it conducts trials of partially rated PEDs at three sites. Key milestones include hardware procurement, factory testing, commissioning, and operational trials. The phase concludes with successful policy development, cost-benefit verification, and full integration of the design tool into business-as-usual processes.

Stage Milestones

  • Completion of Assessment of Integrating the PED Placement Algorithm into UKPN Design Tools.
  • Completion of PNDC & HiL Testing Specification and Platform.
  • Completion of PED Procurement Documents.
  • Completion of all Hardware Procurement.
  • Completion of D-Suite PED Factory Testing.
  • Commission all D-Suite PED.
  • Completion of Operational Trial and Analysis.
  • Completion of all Policy Documents.
  • Finalisation of LV Design Tool.
  • Completion of Dissemination.

Stage Key Findings

Project in progress

Report and Documents

Under development

 

Hi! I'm the SP Energy Networks System Agent, can I help you?