Introduction: This project supports the drive to be an even more reliable network operator through improving the resilience during severe events. The initiative is split across two work streams:

Work stream 1 – Lightning into PowerON:
This work stream will trial a proof of concept where  UK Power Networks’ Network Management System (PowerOn) will receive lightning strikes locations in real time via an API developed by an international weather consultancy. These locations will be linked to poles and to the network diagram using time and distance parameters to enable verification of the reason behind circuit-breaker opening and disconnecting the circuit. After this mapping is established, a dedicated alarm will be created in PowerOn to notify control engineers that the faulted circuit was likely struck by lightning. This could reduce CIs and CMLs associated with lightning strikes.

Work stream 2 – Resource estimation:
We will gain access to advanced weather forecast parameters from stations across the UK Power Networks licence areas. This work stream will trial the concept of using predictive analytics to combine historic fault data to weather parameters. This will build on and enhance our existing capabilities to forecast the impact of severe weather. The novelty will be within the development of the link between high frequency sampled weather data and the distribution network. This will ultimately drive a numerical prediction of weather related fault volumes and locations. These forecasts will provide a probabilistic view of the storm impact and quantify the expected level of risk each weather event presents.

As part of the project, the resources required to adequately manage the severe weather will be forecasted as well, by leveraging the valuable experience of our emergency planning team. 

Ultimately, this will trial a system capable to forecasting, planning and responding to severe weather events more effectively and optimise resource requirements – thus reducing the impact of outages to customers and controlling costs.

Objectives: This project aims to:

1. Develop and trial solutions which support the readiness for severe weather through:
a. Work stream 1 – Linking near real time lightning data to the network; and
b.Work stream 2 – Analysing weather parameters and fault data to provide resource estimation and fault volume forecasts.

2. Determine how to present the outputs in a consistent, verifiable and easy to use manner for:
a. Work stream 1 – confirmation that a fault is a result of a lightning strike; and
b. Work stream 2 – probabilistic forecast of fault volumes and recommended resources.
 
Ultimately, the main project objective, consistent across both work streams, is to improve the network reliability during severe weather days and minimise the disruption to our customers.