Mathematical foundations for energy networks: buffering, storage and transmission

Lead Research Organisation: Newcastle University
Department Name: Electrical, Electronic & Computer Eng

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
 
Description Key findings of this work include that energy storage systems need to be sized and located carefully and that they need to provide multiple services to the network to be economically viable, that probabilistic techniques are required to adequately evaluate and understand their value in future networks and that the value of storage is directly related to the amount of renewable energy in the networks.
Exploitation Route This work can be embedded in probabilistic planning tools developed by commercial companies to supply to the electrical utilities sector. They can also be used by government to inform policy decisions regarding incentives for energy storage deployment.
Sectors Energy

Environment
 
Description The findings of this research have been used to inform three industrial energy storage projects. Smarter Network Storage with UK Power Networks, Customer Led Network Revolution with Northern Powergrid and Energy Storage for low voltage networks with Electricity North West. The fundamental investigation into the modelling and simulation of energy storage systems with Mathematicians in electrical networks has provided the basis for more practical and site specific deployments of energy storage systems on UK electrical distribution networks. The research carried out in this project led to Prof Phil Taylor becoming a founding member of the £65m Faraday Institution for battery research.
First Year Of Impact 2017
Sector Energy,Environment
Impact Types Societal

Economic
 
Description Expert witness for Northern Powergrid CMA appeal against Ofgem re Smart Grid savings including storage
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact I acted as an expert witness regarding an appeal against the regulator regarding smart grid benefits including storage. This was the first time anyone had appealed a price control review since privatisation. The CMA found in favour of Northern Powergrid who I was acting for. This led to £33m more to be spent on preparing electrical networks for the low carbon transition. This has changed the way electricity regulation will be carried out from now on.
URL https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/energy-price-control-appeal-northern-powergrid
 
Description BBC Breakfast TV appearance 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact I appeared on BBC breakfast and the Today programme on Radio 4 as part of an interview and filming re storage and flexibility with Roger Harrabin
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://t.co/Cvx6ex4KkI
 
Description Channel News Asia TV Debate re future energy including storage 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This 1 hour TV programme on Channel news asia reached millions of viewers, I was the lead person on the panel and discussions focussed on storage
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
URL http://www.channelnewsasia.com/tv/tvshows/perspectives/phil-taylor-smart-meters/2298706.html
 
Description DECC Energy Storage Steering Committee 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact I was appointed to the DECC energy storage steering where I have been providing advice regarding commercial and regulatory changes that would remove barriers for the proliferation of energy storage.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016
 
Description Labour and Conservative party fringe debates 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact I was a panel member in a debate about future energy at the Labour and Conservative party conferences organised by Newcastle University, including labour and conservative MPs.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
URL https://my.ncl.ac.uk/staff/nuconnections/item/party-conferences