Accelerated grid connections for renewables

[dan_b]

This sounds interesting/clever

Is it basically that the DNOs are permitting them to connect to their distribution networks with some reinforcement of those first, whilst waiting for the transmission grid to be upgraded later?

https://renews.biz/92858/uk-accelerates ... -capacity/

[Mart]

Brill news, but raises a question for me, if anyone knows the answer.

The article mentions, as Dan points out, that the DNO (distribution network) approves, prior to the transmission network (National Grid*). So, just wondering, but does power go 'up' from the distribution network, to the transmission network, as I never knew that.

Of course this just may be to help the NG balance supplies, if they expect intermittent reductions in demand from the distribution network, but I (clearly) know nothing.

*In this example the DNO (also mine) is National Grid, having taken over WPD (Western Power Distribution). Silly and petty point, but when that was announced, it immediately annoyed me, as I knew it would make explanations of the NG / transmission network, and the DNO's / distribution network more tricky ...... just like this article.

[nowty]

It might be an update to an initiative started last year which dan_b posted here,
https://camelot-forum.co.uk/phpBB3/view ... =18&t=2508

There is also some more info with a couple of webinars here on the Technical Limits programme.
https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/our-netw ... terest-eoi

[Ken]

Up to now the Grid has taken the worst case scenario for the ability to transmit power ie at max ambient temp and no cooling wind, and at the same time taken the max electricity that can be transmitted/produced. On that basis the cable is rarely if ever transmiiting max practicaly speaking. For a few yrs now the Grid have been monitoring some cable temps (the true limit) and found of course that for most of the time eg in winter the cable is no where near its max. They are now proposing to use the capacity more fully with the proviso that they can reduce it if necessary. It should always have been like that.

When you consider max production will coincide closely with max cooling wind then there will probably not be a problem.

[nowty]

Up to now the Grid has taken the worst case scenario for the ability to transmit power ie at max ambient temp and no cooling wind, and at the same time taken the max electricity that can be transmitted/produced. On that basis the cable is rarely if ever transmiiting max practicaly speaking. For a few yrs now the Grid have been monitoring some cable temps (the true limit) and found of course that for most of the time eg in winter the cable is no where near its max. They are now proposing to use the capacity more fully with the proviso that they can reduce it if necessary. It should always have been like that.

When you consider max production will coincide closely with max cooling wind then there will probably not be a problem.

Thats another initiative called the Dynamic Line Rating, we had a thread on it here,
https://camelot-forum.co.uk/phpBB3/view ... =18&t=1465

The info from national grid.
https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-g ... ting-power

The company who's flogging that technology.
https://www.linevisioninc.com/news/nati ... ower-lines

[dan_b]

And there's this one too - Smart Wires

https://www.energylivenews.com/2024/05/ ... -new-tool/

Actually did a project with UK Power Networks a few years ago trialling their kit on one of their connections

[nowty]

And the thread about different types of transmission cable, with ACCC being the latest.
https://camelot-forum.co.uk/phpBB3/view ... 834#p44834

Liking the trapezoidal strands to fit more aluminium into the same conductor diameter and the carbon fibre reinforcement core for lighter strength.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACCC_conductor

ACSR v ACCC Transmission Cable

[Ken]

Leccy production

March
Wind 31.9%
Solar 4.7 %
Gas 23.7%

April
Wind 34.7%
Solar 6.6%
Gas 16.8%
Nuclear 16.0%

I know Feb wind was more than gas, but did not note the figs.

RE is really looking up now along with big import.

[dan_b]

Great images- can really see the difference in the cable technology

And the thread about different types of transmission cable, with ACCC being the latest.
https://camelot-forum.co.uk/phpBB3/view ... 834#p44834

Liking the trapezoidal strands to fit more aluminium into the same conductor diameter and the carbon fibre reinforcement core for lighter strength.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACCC_conductor

ACSR v ACCC Transmission Cable