This is Stage 1 of an intended two stage NIA project, the first stage is to design, develop and trial a prototype LV automation solution and this is achieved through the 5 phases outlined below:

• Phase 1 – Production of a Functional Design Specification

• Phase 2 – Production of a Concept Design in 3D CAD with Design Calculations

• Phase 3 – Benchtop Prototype Demonstration

• Phase 4 – Prototype Testing

• Phase 5 – Onsite Testing

If all phases are successful and the prototypes are proven to offer the performance benefits expected of them, then SPEN will proceed with a Stage 2 project to run a pilot demonstration of the technology to thoroughly evaluate its performance and the benefits it delivers.

Each discrete Phase has an objective:

• Phase 1 – Production of a Functional Design Specification

As the title suggests, this phase looks to produce a Functional Design Specification (FDS) for the new LV automation solution that is designed to meet the requirements outlined in the Method section.

• Phase 2 – Production of a Concept Design in 3D CAD with Design Calculations

As per title, with the resulting Concept Design being assessed by SPEN to approve its feasibility.

• Phase 3 – Benchtop Prototype Demonstration

Demonstration of the physical performance of the prototype.

• Phase 4 – Prototype Testing

Lab testing of the performance of x3 prototypes to ensure they are ready for field testing.

• Phase 5 – Onsite Testing

Limited network trial of the prototypes to assess the suitability of their design and performance

Each discrete Phase has a Success Criteria:

• Phase 1 – Production of a Functional Design Specification

This phase will be successful if a feasible FDS can be agreed upon and published that provides the functionality required from the new LV automation solution

• Phase 2 – Production of a Concept Design in 3D CAD with Design Calculations

This phase will be successful if SPEN signs off on the Design work and agrees to take this proposal to Phase 3

• Phase 3 – Benchtop Prototype Demonstration

This will be a success if the initial prototype can successfully demonstrate its performance and functionality

• Phase 4 – Prototype Testing

This will be a success if the prototypes pass the tests proposed in order to assess the solutions suitability for field trials

• Phase 5 – Onsite Testing

This will be a success if the prototypes are able to demonstrate their full range of functions and stability on a live network

The continuation of the project will be reviewed at the end of each phase. If it is not feasible to continue to the next phase the project will be drawn to a close at the end of the previous phase.

At the end of Phase 5 SPEN and the project collaborators will discuss what is required in order to proceed to Stage 2.