A network demonstrator for active management devices and techniques

The traditionally passive nature of electrical distribution networks is changing as generation is connected within the context of a supportive regulatory framework and greater awareness of environmental issues. As the penetration of
distributed generation becomes widespread, a myriad of issues with an increasingly network-wide scope arise, and have led to proposals for numerous techniques and devices to improve the management and operation of the network. Examples include: voltage regulation schemes, fault current limiters and active generation curtailment to mitigate thermal and security constraints. However, some major barriers still remain to be overcome before these are
adopted by distrbution network operators, and many remain as predominately laboratory-scale demonstrations. This paper will introduce, justify and describe the actualscale network demonstrator being developed jointly by ScottishPower EnergyNetworks, Rolls-Royce and the University of Strathclyde, that will offer an environment within which the gap between research and field deployment can be bridged