Phase balancing to increase LV network headroom: phase switch system trial

The proliferation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, Heat Pumps (HP), and Photo Voltaic (PV) generation within low voltage (LV) distribution networks is expected to escalate. This growth will cause congestion, triggering reinforcement needs to increase hosting capacity (HC) and maintain power quality and continuity. This paper presents findings from a Phase Switch System (PSS) deployment trial on the UK Power Networks (UKPN) distribution network in London and Brighton. The patented PSS increases HC by dynamically balancing three-phase LV distribution mains (LV-main) through real-time phase switching of conductors. With 2023 loads, results from the trial LV-main that supplies 40 customers, increased HC by up to 232A and 202A on average. Also, it provided an estimated 28 MWh annual energy savings in losses reductions. Crucially, simulations of future 7kW electric vehicle charging loads indicate that over 5 years, the PSS could provide 31A per phase more HC than a new and additional cable rated 500A per phase. This comparison to new cables is made, as the HC they provide is widely understood. The trial showcased the PSS as a flexible, rapidly deployable, cost-effective solution to reduce losses and unlock HC, for low-carbon technology integration into LV networks.