Introduction: This project will develop and then trial a new integrated solution and novel application of automated voltage control of low voltage (LV) distribution networks. The project will integrate existing and new distribution system equipment such as LV substation monitoring, including at the mid and end points of LV feeders, on-load tap change distribution transformers and distribution substation controllers to provide for co-ordinated automatic voltage control of LV networks.

As well as providing a single, secure communications point for the back-haul of remote monitoring data, replacing existing mutiple communication points, this integrated control solution will faciliate the regulation and control of LV network voltages based upon both local and remote-end real-time voltage measurements thus facilitating improved management of network voltage profiles and facilitating the coordinated control of multiple voltage regulating devices.

Two separate field trials will be carried out exploring data communications from the remote-point monitors to the substation controller and back to the Electricity North West Ltd network management system (NMS), and the development of appropriate algorithms to control the automatic action of an on-load tap change distribution transformer to provide for coordinated voltage control of the LV network.

Objectives: LoVIA aims to deploy of two trial systems on the Electricity North West Ltd low voltage network. The objectives of which are to demonstrate the application and integration of new distribution system equipment for the purposes of coordinated voltage control.

LoVIA will provide the foundations of a future coordinated LV network voltage control platform and facilitate automated low voltage network operation.