SYNAPS (Synchronous Analysis and Protection System)

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SYNAPS is an innovative project which brings together experts from thepower engineering, powerline communications, and statistical signalprocessing communities to target the so-termed energy trilemma, namelythe challenge to improve energy security, reduce carbon emissions, andreduce costs.SYNAPS aims to develop a networked distribution automation platform forlow-voltage networks which will provide fault detection, classificationand location of faults, together with smart protection andreconfiguration, at a significantly lower cost than has previously beenpossible. In effect, this project will add a cost-efficient smart layeracross the national power grid which will not only solve long-standing,industry-wide challenges but will also open up countless otheropportunities for stable, future-proofed growth as our cities and infrastructure become smarter and progress to the internet-of-thingsfuture.Since the low-voltage network was originally intended for one-waydistribution of energy, there has been little previous interest inmonitoring it. However, there is now a new imperative created by theimpact on network stability due to the growing deployment of consumeroperated renewable distributed generation equipment, electricvehicles--- not to mention the 'exploding pavements' issue.Currently, distributed generation amounts to only a small proportion ofthe total network generating capacity, hence its impact on low-voltagenetwork performance is negligible. However, there is significantindustry concern about the effects of increased numbers of distributedgeneration and electric vehicle installations, especially when these areconcentrated in co-located clusters.The low-voltage electricity network needs to be able to support two wayelectrical flow and real-time communication. About 9% of electricity islost in the distribution network, annually, and it has been reportedthat 45% of Distribution Network Operator total network costs and 50% ofcustomer minutes lost are due to low-voltage cable faults.Managing these new low carbon technologies present significantchallenges but early preparation and introduction of a Smart Grid shouldmake the transition easier and reduce overall costs. This project willdraw upon machine learning methodology to automatically monitorlow-voltage networks and detect and localise both known, and anomalous,problem events. Furthermore, algorithms will also be progressed tosupport software-based protection and reconfiguration of the network.It is anticipated that such smart sensor networks will make asignificant contribution in network efficiency and future-proofing, andhave immense benefits for both consumers and EU/UK environmental andenergy policy targets.