The PSS Solution is a novel answer to a significant LV network challenge. As customers adopt Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) there is a risk of increased phase load imbalance reducing hosting capacity and triggering reinforcement.
However, the PSS may provide value for money by providing a cheaper alternative that also reduces losses and the risk of non-fault fuse operations.
The PSS prototype, previously trialled as part of an NIA project, will be taken to the next level by improving the technical design to reduce the footprint, simplify and improve operation while eliminating noticeable flicker. The Beta project will undertake lab and field testing, and create the policies for wider rollout reflecting the revised design and trial results. However, while the PSS shows considerable promise, the project risks and costs, along with the project scale and duration suggest that SIF is a more appropriate funding mechanism than NIA or BAU funding.
The project addresses Challenge 3: Improving energy system resilience and robustness; Strengthening the UK's energy system robustness to support efficient roll out of new infrastructure. It also will add to the wider ability of consumers to adopt low carbon technologies.
The PSS strengthens the robustness of LV networks through its ability to minimise the maximum phase current. This mitigates the risk of premature fuse blowing or phase overload.
As PSS was not an Alpha project, we have embedded sharing of information into our project plan. We intend to work with UKPN but also share our insights and learning during the project with the ENA and other DNOs, providing them all with the relevant information to make informed decisions about adopting PSS as a solution.
Innovation comes from the fact that this device has the potential to change the way DNOs manage the LV network in a way that supports Net Zero objectives. The scale of the trials and testing in PNDC makes this the first trial of its size. Additionally, the coordinated planning of site locations to maximise benefit is novel.
Phase 1 trialled TRL 6 PSSs on UKPN's distribution network. Beta will address the learning points and enable progression to TRL 7-8, boosting investor confidence for a Series A funding raise in 2027. Accelerating manufacture at the right time to meet emerging LV network reinforcement markets.
The PSS design met ONO and customer needs for Phase 1, and the partnerships established enabled a PSS certification plan to be constructed for Beta. Market readiness is at CRL6, Beta will advance to CRL7, and the subsequent Series A raise in 2027, assures progression to CRL8-9.
The PSS's capability to reinforce through balancing phases at Phase 1 demonstrated IRL6 using network data. Beta enables progression to IRL7 by providing the arena for LCE, NGED and Nortech to collaborate and integrate PSS data on NGEDs servers.
The scale of the project will be 7-9 field trial sites, tested over at least a 12 month period, this will be coupled with an extensive two product lab test at PNDC. This will be supported by the NGED Policy Team to ensure that the device meets required standards and can be safely installed, operated, maintained and decommissioned.
A planning tool will be developed to determine the likely benefit of using the PSS at different sites, including comparison with jointing options to reduce imbalance. This will enable an optimised programme of deployment to be developed. The robust and significant testing, trials, policy development and site selection tool provision will ensure that the business has the confidence and evidence to support we can move quickly to implementation within BaU This will support the Challenge 3 objective.
