Source: Faraday Grid
U.K. distribution network operator UK Power Networks is partnering with Faraday Grid to trial technology that could redefine how the electricity grid works. The project seeks to demonstrate how a Faraday Grid will create a smart, flexible electricity system that increases the capacity to deliver more renewable energy, such as wind and solar power at a lower cost to consumers.
The Faraday Grid is an autonomous, self-balancing network installed within an existing electricity grid. Comprising a network of independent Faraday Exchangers, it is designed to automatically smooth the intermittency and volatility of renewable generation and new demands like electric vehicles and reduce the need for backup generation and balancing services. Implemented at scale, it has the potential to double the amount of renewable generation a grid can carry.
The agreement will see the world’s first Faraday Exchangers deployed in UK Power Network’s existing London network for live testing in spring 2019. The testing will assess the impact of the Faraday Grid on the network, such as improving capacity and avoiding more costly infrastructure upgrades. UK Power Networks operates some of the most sophisticated networks in the U.K., providing an ideal location for the Faraday Grid technology.
Initial tests will be off-network and primarily focused on the safe and reliable operation of the Faraday Exchanger, replicating the tests a traditional transformer would go through.
