The ultimate goal of this project is to improve the understanding of behaviour of load centres and evaluate the existing load models used in the system studies performed by Scottish Power EN (SPEN). It is expected that by achieving this, the accuracy/effectiveness of network planning and operation tools will be improved by:

- gaining a better understanding of load behaviour

- improving understanding of existing load models

- creating new methods for the estimation of load model parameters

- demonstrating a methodology for estimation of load model parameters using different load models

- assessing the interaction between different load types and the main grid.

This project proposal is the first stage in achieving a more detailed understanding of the load behaviour within SPEN. It is envisaged that this stage will be followed by another project stage, which will focus on experimental research. This experimental research will involve using a larger number of sensors (e.g. Phasor Measurement Units) to monitor different load centres in SPEN and then performing a centralized assessment of these measurements to identify the real-time variations in the characteristics of the system load, based on the concept created in the first stage of the project.

The key objectives are to:

1. Maximise Economic and Effective Utilisation of Network Assets
2. Maximise Operating Efficiency
3. Understand the Impact of Emerging Technologies on Future Networks
4. Supporting SPEN Decision Making

In support of the above the following will be undertaken:

1.     Literature review of the existing aggregated static and dynamic load models

2.     Review of estimation methods used for the estimation of unknown load model parameters.

3.     Creation of computer suite for assessing behaviour of different load models and understanding the interaction between different load models and the supplying grid.

4.     Development of a robust estimation method for the estimation of unknown load model parameters.

5.     Validation of new robust estimation methods using detailed static/dynamic load models through extensive computer simulation.

6.     Validation of load models using data recorded under laboratory conditions.

1. Introduce accurate and realistic static and dynamic load models for power system simulations used for network planning and operation studies

2. Maximising capacity of existing assets and thereby potentially deferring network reinforcement.

3. Influence on fundamental network design principles

4. Improved prediction of load behaviour after voltage and/or frequency changes.

5. Wide understanding of new measurement/estimation/optimisation techniques, which can be applied to different applications within utilities

6. Minimize number of customers’ outages and reduced probability of blackouts