Transmission and distribution networks are key vectors in delivering renewable energy sources to end users. Senergy Econnect specialises in working with network businesses to achieve successful low risk and low cost integration of renewables.
Senergy Econnect’s network specialisms include:
Senergy Econnect’s network specialisms include:
- Compliance...[more]
- Network Stability....[more]
- Private Network....[more]
- Innovations for Networks...[more]
- High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)...[more]
Dummuies Wind Farm (Scotland)
Hybrid FACTS (12.25MW)
The scope of service was to provide for the design, supply and installation of a hybrid FACTS ( Flexible AC Transmission System) incorporating a combination of...[more]
Islanded Operation of Distribution Networks (UK)
Commercial, Technical & Modelling
The report details the work undertaken for the investigation into the technical, commercial and regulatory benefits and risks from the operation of distributed generation (DG) to power an islanded section of distribution network...[more]
Compliance
Senergy Econnect takes a leading international role in grid codes and compliance. This includes working with wind turbine manufacturers to develop electrical and mechanical models for their wind turbines in standard power systems analysis software.
We have helped develop and modify grid codes working with and representing Trade and Industry Associations in working groups and on grid code review panels. For network operators and owners Senergy Econnect has developed testing and compliance assessments and processes.
For developers of generation projects we undertake compliance studies and designs to provide the appropriate electrical balance of plant solution to achieve compliance for different wind turbines or other generating plant connected to weak or strong networks of varying characteristics.
Network Stability
In some cases even though grid codes are not applicable or have not yet been developed, the stability of a network can still be critical, especially when meeting the imperative to connect as much renewable generation as possible to a weak network.
Senergy Econnect has carried out stability studies and developed/improved control and protection systems, both on the generation project and on the existing network to maximise the amount of generation that can be connected.
Private Networks
There is increasing interest in private networks in order to integrate renewable energy, smart metering and load / demand side management (DSM) to meet the requirements of zero carbon developments and low carbon footprint buildings.
Senergy Econnect has relevant international experience in the design and implementation of private networks with technical, commercial and regulatory perspectives including private networks in buildings, industrial estates and islands and working with house builders, housing associations, local authorities, regulators and all levels of government.
Innovation for Networks
In Great Britain the regulator Ofgem has created the Innovation Funding Incentive (IFI) to encourage R&D and Regulated Power Zones (RPZs) to encourage the deployment of new technologies and innovations on electricity networks.
Senergy Econnect's active management product GenAVC has been approved for an RPZ and Senergy Econnect is working with Network Operators on IFI projects in the areas of network data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and connection assessments for demand and generation.
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)
In the future with the development of renewable energy resources in more remote areas, including offshore wind and marine renewables, HVDC systems will be required to carry large amounts of power to demand centres.
Senergy Econnect plays a key role in developing the requirements for the HVDC assets and has developed the concepts of AC and DC interconnectors, in the North Sea for example, leading to concepts such as the offshore grid.
Senergy Econnect's study for the Renewables Advisory Board (RAB) of the connection of the Round 2 offshore windfarms in the UK also examined the economics of DC vs. AC connections.
Development
The combination of an increased demand for low-carbon energy generation and an ageing electrical distribution network, has led to the development of SmartGrids.
SmartGrids are needed to make the low carbon economy a reality for the UK and Europe.
The development of a SmartGrid or 'Intelligent Network', will allow smaller scale generation projects to be connected at multiple points along the network. This will result in many diverse renewable energy projects sitting alongside each other. Single wind turbines as well as wind farms, will contribute, alongside solar PV on houses and energy from waste and biofuel CHP plants.
Zero Carbon Tools
Senergy Econnect's vision is that these grids will deliver large amounts of renewable energy, providing zero carbon electricity for transport and heating (often with heat pumps) as well for current uses such as electronics, power and lighting.
Senergy Econnect provides tools for network operators, generators and users to help them deliver and operate the new vision.
For further information, please visit the
technology pages of our website.
Potential for Microgeneration (UK)
Potential for total UK domestic market
The Energy Saving Trust, in conjunction with Element Energy Limited, Senergy Econnect and Cambridge University Faculty of Economics, has been commissioned by the DTI to study the UK potential for...[more]
Technical Guide for Connection of Renewable Generators to the Local Electricity Network (Australia)
The Guide has been developed by the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). Sponsorship was provided by the Australian Government...[more]
Grid Connection of Standby Diesel Generator (Australia)
Preliminary Feasibility Study of Grid Connection of Standby Diesel Generator
Senergy Econnect has been engaged by the Demand Management Project, a joint venture between the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural...[more]
Load Management System (Scotland)
Load Management System with Intermittent Power on the Grid
Identify contractual requirements and commercial benefits of different load management systems under the Renewables Obligation and electricity trading arrangements...[more]
Storage is seen by some as necessary for variable generation sources such as wind, wave and tidal.
Senergy Econnect has developed effective Demand Side Management solutions to use intermittent and controllable loads, utilising the inherent storage in heat, cold and in the fossil fuels that are still be used in power systems.
There are also niche markets for other kinds of storage.
Senergy Econnect has designed, specified and provided a variety of solutions including lead acid battery storage, redox flow batteries, pumped storage and flywheels as different forms of storage for different niche applications.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) or CoGen is the simultaneous generation of power and usable heat in a single process. Many CHP installations are used for on-site generation and work with existing demand and loads.
Senergy Econnect's expertise has been deployed for projects requiring intelligent grid connection solutions as part of CHP generation projects, international benchmarking for best practice and active network management techniques involving:
- High fault levels
- Voltage rise
- Thermal limits
We have the expertise to integrate, model and manage the electrical demand, CHP generation and the connection to the network.
Micro and domestic CHP is under rapid development and Senergy Econnect has studied the impacts of large scale growth on distribution networks at both low and medium voltage.
A large amount of heat is released from conventional thermal power stations and yet significant amounts of CO2 emissions result from heating buildings and processes.
Senergy Econnect's experience includes providing heating from renewable energy sources through both electricity and heating networks. Our load control devices utilise surplus renewable energy as intermittent heat, reducing emissions from other sources.
Senergy Econnect's Demand for Wind project is developing techniques to apply this principle to large networks e.g. in Great Britain and Ireland where gas fuels can be substituted by renewable electricity at times of surplus wind energy.
This technology not only reduces emissions but reduces dependence on natural gas and increases security of supply for fuels and electricity. As the climate warms there will be increasing demands to provide cooling from renewable sources as well.
Project Examples
H-SAPS (Europe)
Market Potential Analysis for Introduction of Hydrogen Energy Technology in Stand-Alone Power Systems
The H-SAPS project was an exciting 2-year project funded by the European Commission's Altener Programme to analyse the market...[more]
To meet the increasing impact of carbon emissions and climate change, a major challenge is to reverse the rapid growth in emissions from transport.
As well as encouraging the use of lower carbon travel where possible, Senergy Econnect is active in the challenge of using renewables in the transport sector.
To this end we are advising transport businesses such as railways, ports, inland waterways and airports on the appropriate use and connection of on-site renewable generation including wind power.
This can be integrated with the use of electric vehicles and electric power which will reduce not only CO2 emissions but also the more aggressive NOX greenhouse gases and will also improve air quality and public health.
Hydrogen is also a vector for using renewables in transport.