SoLa Bristol
| Duration | Dec 2011 - Jan 2016 |
|---|---|
| Region |
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Project description
What is BRISTOL?
"B.R.I.S.T.O.L." was the Buildings, Renewables and Integrated Storage, with Tariffs to Overcome network Limitations project.
Our customers’ energy demands are continually evolving; the design and operation of the Low Voltage (LV) distribution network needs to develop at the same rate. The introduction of Low Carbon Technologies is increasingly stressing the Low Voltage distribution network, in some areas preventing customers from connecting either generation or demand without conventional reinforcement.
The project tested the following Hypothesis:
1. Should new Low Carbon Technologies increase distribution network peaks and cause thermal overloads; then battery storage, demand response and DC networks could be an efficient solution, this is because conventional network reinforcement for short thermal overloads may not the most efficient use of customers’ money.
2. If DC networks in properties could be used to reduce network harmonics, phase distortion and improve voltage control then their use may be vital in the connection of Low Carbon Technologies. This is because the safe, efficient operation of distribution networks is reliant on the power quality and voltage being within statutory limits.
3. If DNOs and customers could share battery storage on DC networks with a variable tariff, then the mutual benefits may make battery storage financially viable. This is because battery storage could be a shared asset or sold to customers.
