LV Engine

Project Objectives

• Design and Trial a number of Smart Transformers within the UK Electricity Grid. Its application will be within distribution substations.
• Provide the first functional specifications and control strategies for the smart functionalities a Smart Transformer can provide under different network conditions.
• Compare the performance and functionalities of Smart Transformers with those of conventional reinforcement and transformers fitted with On-Load Tap Changers.
• Provide technical guidance, policy documents, a cost benefit analysis methodology and tools for the intelligent selection of future Secondary Transformers to ensure the Business As Usual adoption of Solid State Transformer technology.
• Provide Functional Specifications of a fit-for-purpose network design to inform the provision of Low Voltage Direct Current Supplies to UK electricity customers from Solid State Transformers.
• Demonstrate the protection of Low Voltage Networks where power electronics are used.
• Stimulate the UK market place for power electronic solutions within distribution electricity networks for future competitive production of this technology.
• Provide performance and control algorithms data to universities for further academic research and development.
• Up-skill internal staff on power electronics technologies and applications within distribution networks and the value it can bring.
• Knowledge dissemination to UK Distribution Network Operators and the UK power electronics industry to facilitate the replication of LV Engine’s solution across the UK.
• Collaborate with our project partner, UK Power Networks, to develop a solution which can be adopted by all UK Distribution Network Operators for Business as Usual planning and operation of Low Voltage Networks.

The Benefits For Customers

• We are working to keep costs low and stable for customers. The successful rollout of LV Engine in Great Britain is expected to represent a saving of £62m by 2030 and £528m by 2050.
• The introduction of innovative Smart Transformers on the distribution network will pave the way for a low carbon future for customers.
• Deliver significant financial savings if deployed across all electricity networks.
• Demonstrate a low voltage Direct Current (DC) connection for low carbon technologies including Electric Vehicles (EV).
• The project will stimulate a competitive marketplace for power electronics and Smart Transformers, contributing to improving productivity within the economy.

• A potential saving of £62m by 2030 and £528m by 2050.

Project Partners

Reports & Documents

 Project Overview

• Project Fact Card Print Version (opens in a new window)
• LV Engine Project Overview (opens in a new window)

Project Deliverables & Progress Reports

• Project Progress Report 2018 (opens in a new window)
• Project Progress Report 2019 (opens in a new window)
• Project Progress Report 2020 (opens in a new window)
• Project Progress Report 2021 (opens in a new window)
• Project Progress Report 2022 (opens in a new window)
• Ofgem Deliverable #1 – Technical and Functional Specifications of Smart Transformer (opens in a new window)
• LV Engine FSP (2017)  (opens in a new window) 

WP 1 – Technical Design

• LVDC Technical Recommendation – General Assessment (opens in a new window)
• Overview of Existing LVDC Standards and Engineering Recommendations (opens in a new window)

WP 3 – Design & Manufacturing of SSTs

• Smart Transformer Literature Review – Hardware, Software, Reliability (opens in a new window)

WP 5 – Live Trial

• Recommendations on Field Communication Requirements for the LV Engine Smart Control System (opens in a new window)
• Technical Specification for LV Automation devices (opens in a new window)

Diagram