Problems with Central Networks

[Ivan]

A friend of mine wishes to install a 15kW wind turbine. He lives out of town in a small village. The DNO arranged for voltage monitoring equipment to be placed at his house for a week or so, and then sent him a quote for £7000 for a network upgrades (basically a new transformer for the group of houses on his local transformer). Clearly this is going to make the project substantially more expensive, so I've asked them for the maximum grid feed capability without the need for replacing the DNO transformer. Coincidentally, they came back with exactly 16A/phase.

I asked for the voltage recording data, which they seem reluctant to release, but they have confirmed the voltage regularly goes out-of-spec. My view is that if they can't meet their statutory requirements even without a wind turbine present, then they need to replace the transformer with one fit for the purpose regardless of whether a wind turbine is installed. I suspect that the DNO is simply visualising an opportunity to get a consumer to pay for a shiny new transformer, which is necessary for their supply obligations, but they haven't got round to installing it. Here is an extract from the response I received (Note: There isn't any grid-feed equipment installed yet):


The results of the voltage study by our engineering section showed that the voltage raised out of limits twice over the recording period and dropped below stat limits once. Most networks will experience fluctuations of this nature from time to time but they are not regarded as a permanent voltage disturbance and it would be unlikely that Central Networks would take any remedial action.

Your client can certainly register a voltage complaint if he feels he is experiencing regular problems and such a complaint will be investigated by our infrastructure team and remedied if required.  The remedial works if any would only be to cure fluctuation issues if any and would not be designed to accommodate generation connections.

With regards to the calculations, on this section of network, a 16A generator would under no load conditions raise the voltage up to 253.026V.  This passes any G83 compliant unit but as you can see there is no scope for additional capacity without reinforcement.  It is a coincidence that this is on the G83/1 limit at this location.  

[mespilus]

Can you not get the voltage recording data
for a tenner
under the Freedom of Information Act?

[renewablejohn]

Ivan

Report your problems to Ofgem who should be able to obtain the info

[brackwell]

A few years ago i noticed that my mains voltage seemed low in winter and decided to meter it and found it to fall outside 240 +/- 10%   After complaining nothing happened until such time as as i complained to ofgem and then see them move! Very quickly they dug up the drive and fitted a cable big enough to power the whole street and picked up on another phase in the street which is probably all they needed to do.   I think the course of action is obvious.

Ken

[djh]

Can you not get the voltage recording data
for a tenner
under the Freedom of Information Act?

I'm afraid not. FoI only covers public bodies and the energy suppliers are private companies - http://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/freedom_of_information.aspx