Low voltage monitors: use cases

Low voltage (LV) distribution networks in Northern Ireland are currently monitored with conventional metering infrastructures. Residential electrical appliances exhibit predictable load demand profiles and expected growing trends. So, the usage of local monitoring devices at secondary substations called maximum demand indicators (MDI) covered the LV network monito ring needs. To meet the UK net zero targets by 2050, a significant number of low carbon technologies (LCT) loads such as electric vehicles and heat pumps are expected to integrate the LV network in Northern Ireland. The energy requirements from LCT loads exceed those from conventional electrical appliances in a residential dwelling and their profiles depend on factors such as usage preferences, energy tariffs, demographics and weather. Therefore, the monitoring infrastructure on the LV side of the electrical network requires an update to respond to the new technical challenges posed by LCT loads. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks has deployed 225 LV monitors to evaluate the benefits of a higher-resolution monitoring system in the LV network. This paper discloses contributions of use cases observed in a pilot project with data reported every 10 minutes from LV monitors connected on the secondary side of distribution substations.