Hitachi heads smart grid technology trial

Power electronics and control technologies to reduce voltage fluctuations on distribution lines where renewable energy is being connected

Trials of a smart grid technology that could lead to the more effective integration of renewable energy supplies into the national grid are to be commenced in South West England and South Wales.

Hitachi Europe is to the supply its Dynamic Voltage Control System for a demonstration project under the Low Carbon Networks Fund, established by energy regulator Ofgem. The project aims to employ advanced power electronics and control technologies to reduce voltage fluctuations on distribution lines where renewable energy is being connected.

The three-year smart grid project, in conjunction with Western Power Distribution, will begin this summer and will involve up to four sites in South West England and South Wales. In the first phase of the project, a single D-Statcom unit will be tested on an 11kV distribution line. The D-Statcom uses advanced IGBT technology to provide continuous reactive power to the network, compensating for voltage rise and flicker caused by the intermittency inherent in renewable energy generation. The second phase will involve a further three D-Statcom units controlled by Hitachi’s voltage and reactive power control system.

Hitachi said that the systems, which can react to changes in milliseconds, would significantly minimise voltage fluctuation and be a more economical solution for network operators than strengthening or replacing network lines. The D-Statcom was initially developed in Japan as part of research projects aimed at integrating solar photovoltaics into distribution networks. The smart grid project with Western Power will represent Hitachi’s first demonstration of voltage control technologies in Europe.

Hitachi expects significant business growth for dynamic voltage control systems in Europe, as more renewables are connected to distribution networks driven by feed-in tariffs, in particular in rural areas. Andres Larriera, head of Hitachi Europe’s smart grid activities and responsible for group business development activities in new energy in Europe, said: “The project will also provide valuable learning for the wider energy industry at EU level. More intelligent solutions are required by distribution electricity networks to be able to accommodate increasing amounts of distributed generation driven by EU 20-20-20 climate change goals.”