WP2 has developed a working software framework for connecting decarbonisation decision-making to its operational consequence on distribution networks.
An initial proof of concept of this method has allowed the anticipation of heat decarbonisation effects at the neighbourhood level, which SPEN (and other network operators in future) can use to prioritise (and defer/optimise) investment or maintenance across distribution feeders at neighbourhood level to optimise uptake of low carbon technologies.
In support of this activity, WP2 has worked with SPEN to identify operational system data formats (GIS, Load, Asset specifications) in order to develop a workflow for automated model development. This has resulted in the development of an initial set of test network models that are representative of SPEN license areas (both SPD+SPM).
In parallel, integration work has been undertaken to extend this modelling to other energy vectors – namely, hydrogen generation and industrial demand via WP3 and WP4 model assimilation activities. Model outputs are being aligned with industry standard formats (CIM – Common Information Model – IEC 61970) to allow interchange of results with other operational processes as well as digital twins of higher levels of the energy system and national scale infrastructure.
Moving from simulation modelling of scenarios to a Digital Twin, efforts are now moving towards using SPEN operational data from monitored substations and Smart Meters as well as weather data, to calibrate models so that they reflect behaviour of the actual assets under realistic operational conditions.
