Lidar Map Revolutionising the Electricity Grid

Introduction to Virtualisation in the Electricity Grid

Virtualisation in the electricity grid is revolutionising how we manage power generation, transmission, and distribution. By using advanced software and hardware technologies, grid operators can create a virtual representation of the grid, allowing for more efficient and flexible management. This innovative approach has gained significant traction as the grid faces increasing challenges from the integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and evolving consumer behaviour.

With virtualisation, grid operators can simulate various scenarios, predict energy demand, and optimise power flow in real-time. This capability not only reduces the risk of power outages but also enhances overall grid reliability. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent, virtualisation provides a critical tool for managing their intermittent nature and ensuring a stable energy supply. By embracing virtualisation, the energy sector can create a more resilient and adaptable grid that meets the demands of the future.

Challenge

As a distribution and transmission network operator, SP Energy Networks keeps electricity flowing to over 6 million customers across 3.5 million homes and businesses throughout central and southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, north and mid-Wales and north Shropshire. It does this through its network of over 110,000 km of power cables and 30,000 substations across its licence areas and investing approximately £7 billion into the network to create a better future for its customers and communities.

With the UK’s ever-increasing electricity demand, it has never been more important for SP Energy Networks to be as agile and proactive as possible with its asset management, so it can continue provide a resilient and reliable service to customers.

Challenges Facing Renewable Energy Integration

Integrating renewable energy sources into the grid presents several unique challenges. One of the primary issues is the variability of power generation from sources like solar and wind. Unlike traditional power plants, which can produce a consistent output, renewable energy sources are dependent on weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in power generation. This variability can cause grid instability and increase the risk of power outages if not managed effectively.

To address these challenges, significant investments in energy storage technologies, such as battery storage, are required. These systems can store excess energy generated during peak production times and release it when demand is high, ensuring a reliable power supply. Additionally, the existing grid infrastructure often needs upgrades and modifications to accommodate the unique characteristics of renewable energy sources. By leveraging a digital twin for energy, the sector can model and simulate grid operations to better predict the impact of renewable energy fluctuations, optimise energy storage, and ensure a balanced and resilient grid.

Solution

Under a 3-year contract, Fugro is acquiring lidar scanner data and imagery data and using it to create a centimetre-accurate 3D representation of the two distribution networks. The resulting Roames® World model and advanced analytics will provide SP Energy Networks with a deep understanding of their assets to support their networks’ Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (ESQCR), and vegetation management programmes for overhead line (OHL) assets, resulting in improvements in cost, performance, and risk reduction.

The integration of grid energy storage into these advanced analytics allows for better asset management by storing excess renewable energy generated during peak production times for use during surges in demand or when renewable sources are not producing.

The Role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Grid Management

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are indispensable tools in modern grid management, providing a spatial context for grid operations. GIS technology allows grid operators to visualise and analyse the physical infrastructure of the grid, including power lines, substations, and distribution networks. This spatial awareness is crucial for optimising grid operations, predicting energy demand, and identifying areas of high energy consumption.

Moreover, GIS can integrate satellite imagery, orthophoto images, and other data sources to monitor the condition of grid infrastructure. This capability enables grid operators to detect potential issues, such as vegetation encroachments or structural weaknesses, before they escalate into major problems. By leveraging GIS technology, grid operators can enhance the efficiency and reliability of the grid, reducing the risk of power outages and improving overall customer satisfaction.

Network Innovation Project: Grid Operators

Fugro's Roames® virtual world asset management technology was first introduced to SP Energy Networks in 2015 when the two companies collaborated on an OFGEM network innovation allowance (NIA) initiative. Utilising the core services provided by Roames® (3D network model, cloud delivery, vegetation and ground clearance analytics), the power company was able to quantify the business benefits afforded by the virtual technology (a digital twin) to help them sustainably manage their assets and asset performance, risks and expenditures.

By leveraging digital twin technology, the network's performance could be monitored in real time, enabling proactive maintenance and optimisation of the grid infrastructure. Such digital twin technology provides actionable insights, helping to anticipate potential issues before they arise and ensuring a more resilient, efficient energy network, which in turn helps with sustainable energy solutions.

Roames® World with Satellite Imagery

The captured lidar point cloud data and orthophotos, as well as the generated 3D network model, are hosted in the cloud and accessible to SP Energy Networks via Fugro's Roames® World managed service. Within Roames® World, several different datasets can be visualised, including:

• Background maps: open-source background maps, such as street maps and satellite maps, enabling easy navigation

• Imagery layers: orthophoto images, but also images of the lidar data such as height maps or lidar intensity maps

• Lidar point cloud

• 2D and 3D vector layers: for example, the 3D overhead network layer and traffic-light-coloured layers for risk assessment

Asset-matching capabilities

Crucial to the project is Roames®’ asset-matching capability, which allows SP Energy Networks to update its geographical information system (GIS) with real-world data, creating an accurate ‘digital twin’ to virtually model and explore their overhead network. The model, which will cover over 40 000 km, provides a digital foundation for asset inspections to reduce the number of onsite surveys and audit requirements, and forges the way for other UK network operators to adopt similar systems.

Implementation and Technical Details

Implementing virtualisation in the electricity grid requires a blend of technical expertise and substantial investment in both software and hardware technologies. Grid operators must develop and deploy sophisticated software platforms capable of simulating different scenarios, predicting energy demand, and optimising power flow in real-time. These platforms are essential for managing the complexities of modern power generation and distribution.

In addition to software, the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage technologies necessitates significant investments in hardware infrastructure. This includes power inverters, energy storage systems, and advanced grid management systems. Furthermore, the effective use of GIS technology requires specialised training and expertise, ensuring that grid operators can fully leverage this technology to improve grid operations. By addressing these technical requirements, the energy sector can successfully implement virtualisation and enhance the overall performance of the electricity grid.

Innovative highlight

Previously, SP Energy Networks carried out all vegetation management surveys by eye using a handheld measuring device, which is labour-intensive and subjective. The Roames® solution increases efficiency by using cutting-edge artificial intelligence algorithms to provide inspection and risk analysis reporting of vegetation encroachments, enabling our clients to reduce the chances of unexpected power failure in the future.

Impact on Reducing Carbon Emissions

Fugro’s Roames® virtual world technology is a truly innovative, immersive solution that provides a deep understanding of a utility’s network and assets. Benefits include:

• Increased efficiency in vegetation and ground clearance management

• Mitigation of health and safety risks by ensuring vegetation and structures near OHLs are identified

• Reduced number of onsite surveys and audits by using the Roames® platform to undertake desk-based asset inspection

Benefits of Virtualisation for the Electricity Grid

The benefits of virtualisation for the electricity grid are profound and far-reaching. By enabling grid operators to improve efficiency and reliability, virtualisation reduces the risk of power outages and enhances overall customer satisfaction. Real-time optimisation of power flow minimises energy waste, contributing to a more efficient grid.

Moreover, virtualisation facilitates the seamless integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage technologies, playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. By creating a more resilient and adaptable grid, virtualisation helps meet the evolving needs of consumers and the environment. Embracing virtualisation technology allows the energy sector to build a future-proof grid that supports the transition to renewable energy and ensures a stable and reliable energy supply for all.