Sizing energy storage on the 11-kV distribution network

The cost and limited flexibility of traditional approaches to 11-kV network reinforcement threatens to constrain the uptake of low carbon technologies. Ofgem has released £500m of funding for distribution network operators (DNOs) to trial innovative techniques and share the learning with the rest of the industry. One of the techniques under study is the addition of energy storage at key substations to the network to help with peak load lopping. This presentation looks in detail at the sizing algorithm for use in the assessment of alternatives to traditional reinforcement and investigates a method of sizing a battery for use on a network taking into account load growth, capacity fade and battery lifecycle issues. A further complication to the analysis is the method of operation of the battery system and how this affects the depth of discharge (DoD). The proposed method is being trialled on an area of 11-kV network in the central Milton Keynes area, and simulation results are presented.