UK Power Networks partners with GE Vernova to deliver the world's first smart substation

As the share of renewables in the electricity mix continues to grow, network operators are looking at ways to integrate them into the distribution network more efficiently. UK Power Networks (UKPN) is partnering with GE Vernova on the world's first smart substation project designed to optimize utilization of the distribution network to facilitate the rise of renewable energy generation across the United Kingdom.

Known as Constellation, the project aims to add 1.4 GW of capacity (enough to power more than 700,000 homes) and save consumers more than £750 million by 2050. It is also expected to eliminate more than 17.8M tons of harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Smart substations optimize distribution network utilization

Constellation is a global-first innovation project that will feature powerful computers installed in a series of substations, to turn them into smart substations. It unlocks a unique approach to distribution network management by leveraging decentralized operation through data analytics and machine learning. The decentralized approach reduces reliance on communications to and from the central control systems.

Playing a crucial role in the Constellation project is GE Vernova’s PhasorController. PhasorControllers are used to deploy local edge controller network management solutions, which improve distributed energy resource (DER) utilization by increasing connection resilience. In other words, PhasorController helps maintain visibility and control of any DERs with less-than-secure DER grid connections, eliminating the need for utilities to invest in more-costly new infrastructure to accomplish the same goals.

"We already have smart control rooms and grid edge devices like smart electric vehicle chargers. Having smart substations in the middle pulling it all together is a logical next step,” said Mr. Cameron.

PhasorController distributes intelligence and control to the substation and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) connections to complement the existing central control, providing resilience and continuity of DER operation when communications links are unavailable. The solution uses data analytics and machine learning (ML) to incorporate data from periods when communication and the network is managed normally. This “trains” machine learning models centrally and distributes the models to the local renewable generation controls, so they are ready to go live if/when communications are lost.

By using data and smarter substations, UK Power Networks can increase renewables generation and continue to ensure a secure and reliable network for customers.