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The level of electricity distribution network risk in the UK is perceived to be increasing in the short term, and an asset management approach seeks to optimise the balance between capital expenditure and the risk to customer supplies. Further drivers that could lead to increased network risk can be anticipated in the longer term. Against this background, the paper seeks to model, analyse and quantify both short-term and long-term network risk, and has developed methodologies for doing so. These methodologies are illustrated by a case study based on the anticipated rebuilding of a key 132 kV switching station on part of the UK network.

A consortium comprising Applied Superconductor Limited (ASL) and three Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) will deploy three pilot superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) in UK electricity distribution networks. The SFCL subsystems are based on BSCCO superconducting components and are designed and produced by Nexans SuperConductor (NSC) in Hürth, Germany.

A common limiting factor in the connection of a generator to a distribution network is the control of the network voltage within the required statutory limits under all network operating conditions. The SuperTAPP n+, manufactured by Fundamentals Limited, is a unique voltage control relay that calculates the most appropriate transformer target voltage by estimating the output of embedded generators and adding it to that being supplied by the transformer(s) to give the 'true' load. The estimation is based on the load share between feeders with connected generation and those without. All the required measurements are made locally (within the substation) and there is no reliance on communications. The paper evaluates the relay's ability to estimate the output of embedded generators during a series of substantial group load changes. It also describes how standard network analysis tools can be used to determine the maximum generator output at a particular location dependent upon the voltage control relay used and appraises the increase in voltage headroom afforded when the SuperTAPP n+ is considered.

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