The project is a joint enterprise between UK Power Networks, Newcastle University and Integrated Powertech, who have been awarded over £8 million in funding to explore the possibility of using power electronics to convert voltage and current on the low-voltage distribution network.
"Maximise performance and minimise cost"
The funding was provided by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), with £21 million being distributed across three of SP Energy Networks’ projects, with the D-Suite project receiving the largest sum of the funds.
One of the project’s major aims is to produce a fully-automated low voltage (LV) design tool, allowing the new technology to be quickly implemented by distribution network operators (DNOs) across the country, while also making future planning and investments an easier process.
Dr Matthew Deakin, the Newcastle University project lead, has said the LV Design Tool will, “provide an optimised location and operation [...] to maximise performance and minimise cost.” The tool can, “provide engineers with the visibility and justification to invest in a D-Suite device with confidence.”
The tool will ultimately allow D-Suite devices to be rolled out across tens of thousands of locations across the UK according to Dr. Deakin, and will help support the growth of low-carbon technologies throughout the country.
