Q-Flex

Objective(s) 

Demonstrate that the provision of flexible reactive power is technically possible. Assess whether flexible reactive power is a solution to forecasted network constraints. Understanding if participants are willing to provide reactive power as a flexibility service.

Problem(s)

Significant growth in the number of Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) connected to distribution networks is expected as the UK moves toward net zero carbon by 2050. This is both in terms of renewable generation and new loads such as the electrification of transport and domestic heating.

This increased LCT penetration on networks is raising the likelihood of issues such as increased equipment loading, increased network losses and breaches of regulated network voltage limits. The traditional approach to overcome these constraints is to reinforce the network or through network flexibility such as Active Network Management (ANM), System Voltage Optimisation (SVO) or active power flexibility services. Additional network infrastructure takes time and significant financial investment to build without fully understanding the future network conditions.

The use of flexibility provides one method to operate the existing network more efficiently but new services and optimisation in this area are needed to release the capacity for accelerated LCT connections.

Method(s) 

The innovation work is expected to be delivered through several linked work packages (WP) as follows:

WP1 - Current & Emerging Technologies Reactive Power Capability

WP2 - Q-Flex Reactive Power Studies

WP3 - Q-Flex Cost Benefit Analysis

WP4 - Reactive Power Flexibility Market Engagement & Development

WP5 - Q-Flex Project Report

• Scope

  This project aims to solve the problem outlined above by demonstrating that the provision of flexible reactive power is technically possible, assessing whether flexible reactive power is a solution to forecasted network constraints, and understanding if participants are willing to provide reactive power as a flexibility service.

  This project will consist of the following five work packages which will run in parallel:

  • Work Package 1 (WP1): Current and Emerging Technologies Reactive Power Capability (4 months) 
  • WP1 consists of gathering and reviewing literature of current and emerging technologies reactive power capability and controllability, as well as a review of relevant past trial results and control systems. This will be followed by developing and issuing questionnaires to asset owners, and developing a reactive power technology catalogue.
  • The outputs of this WP will be a documented literature review, questionnaires on both existing and emerging technologies, a reactive power technology catalogue and a final WP1 report. 
  • Work Package 2 (WP2): Q-Flex Reactive Power Studies (4.5 months) 
  • WP2 consists of undertaking power system studies to demonstrate that optimised reactive power dispatch has the ability to defer network reinforcements and minimise networks losses. These studies will includes assessment of reinforcement deferment, loss minimisation and the operation of reactive power flexibility.
  • The output of this WP will be a report containing the case studies selected, the Q-Flex algorithm and results and analysis from the power system studies carried out. 
  • Work Package 3 (WP3): Q-Flex Cost Benefit Analysis (5 months) 
  • WP3 will involve carrying out economic Cost Benefit Analysis to determine the financial and environmental costs/benefits of deferred network reinforcements and minimised losses achieved from the use of flexible reactive power.
  • The outputs from this WP will be a report containing the methodology and findings from the Q-Flex CBA, and the CBA spreadsheets developed.
  • Work Package 4 (WP4): Reactive Power Flexibility Market Engagement and Development (5 months) 
  • WP4 will involve carrying out a market assessment to determine asset owners’ interest in providing flexible reactive power as a service, as well as developing an initial market design for the procurement of reactive power from technology asset owners.
  • The output of this WP will be a report containing assessment of the interest from providers in a reactive power flexibility market, and the market design.
  • Work Package 5 (WP5): Q-Flex Project Report (2 months) 
  • WP5 will produce a report detailing the summary of learnings, conclusions and recommendations from the project. A reactive power flexibility market does not currently exist, but could provide value to our customers and change the way we design and operate our network. The project will help gain an understanding on which commercial customers connected to our network are able to provide reactive power flexibility, and understand their willingness to do so through engagement and questionnaires. Following this, the project will design a new reactive power flexibility market.
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• Success Criteria

  The project will be deemed successful if the following are achieved: 

  • A catalogue of reactive power technology produced that has been developed using feedback and information from asset owners and operators.
  • Power studies have been carried out on multiple case studies within the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) network which have been selected and approved by NGED Network Strategy.
  • Cost Benefit Analysis carried out to determine the financial and environmental costs/benefits of deferred network reinforcements and minimised losses achieved from the use of flexible reactive power.
  • A concept design has been created for a reactive power flexibility marketplace.
• Potential for New Learning

  This project focusses on an area of flexibility that is not currently utilised. Reactive power flexibility is not currently procured but could help reduce losses on our network, help reduce voltage problems, and in the future help mitigate any reactive power constraints if they begin to occur. This project will provide the toolset needed for us to prepare to use these services in the future. Currently the potential of reactive power flexibility is not fully understood, and previous propositions for reactive power flexibility work have been limited. The learning generated could be used by all Distribution Network Licensees once shared. All network licensees have a commitment in place to utilise flexibility if it forms a cost effect alternative to network reinforcement, and the additional services Q-Flex will bring could be of use to all. The outputs of the project are being produced in a way that means they are useful to other licensees at the end of the project – the catalogue of assets that can provide services will be fit for use on assets in any area, and the reporting on this will align with how it should be used by them. The initial marked design carried out will be a guide to be used on any platform (e.g. Flexible Power which is currently used by multiple DNOs).

• Documents and Links

  Registration and PEA Document 

  Work Package 1 Report 

  Reactive Power Technology Catalogue 

  PEA Document July 2023 

  NIA Annual Report

  Closedown Report

• Monthly updates

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