This is Stage 1 of a potential two stage NIA project, this initial stage focusses on the development of a prototype solution and proving that it can deliver the required results without any detrimental impact on the network. Stage 1 will also look to analyse the results generated from limited site trials. If necessary, Stage 2 would be a pilot trial of several RTFLM solutions, including their integration into existing DNO systems, followed by a thorough evaluation of the results and benefits they introduce.

Stage 1 has been split into the 5 Work Packages (WP):

1. Prototype Development

Working alongside the project partner to ensure the RTFLM prototype is suitably designed for inclusion within a substation and has a minimal impact on any other assets and systems.

2. Prototype Testing

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of prototype(s), and assessment of the impact they have on existing assets and systems when introduced to the network.

3. Extended Site Trials

Prolonged site trials enabling SPEN to evaluate the solutions performance, identify the optimum settings and analyse the results returned.

4. Design Review and Recommendations

Analysis of the devices performance and the identification of:

• Improvements / changes required for BaU adoption

• Potential benefits delivered based on limited site trial results

• The business case for BaU adoption

5. Dissemination

External and Internal dissemination.

Benefits

Each discrete WP has Success Criteria:

1. Prototype Development

This WP will be successful if a design for a feasible RTFLM solution can be developed and a prototype suitable for deployment is constructed.

2. Prototype Testing

This WP will be successful if the prototype passes FAT and SAT, and is proven to have no detrimental impact to the network when it is introduced.

3. Extended Site Trials

This WP will be a success if the RTFLM can be proven to generate consistent and reliable measurements over an extended period of time without any detrimental impact on the network.

4. Design Review and Recommendations

This WP will be a success if it identifies if this solution is worth pursuing further or not. If it is the WP will identify the potential benefits based on the site trial results and the developments required. If the solution is not worth pursuing the WP will outline the full reasoning and justification.

5. Dissemination

This WP will be a success if the project is disseminated externally and internally on several occasions and generates interest in the solution from the industry.

The continuation of the project will be reviewed at the end of each WP. If it is not feasible to continue to the next WP the project will be drawn to a close at the end of the previous WP, with the exception of WP 5 which required regardless of the success of each of the other WPs.