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NETWORK / 24 / OCTOBER 2016 and height to be optimised. The trials conducted under NTVV demonstrated real, practi- cal ways in which operational staff can benefit from access to real time network data. As a direct result of the trials, previ- ously unknown network faults and issues were discovered which led to better operational decision making. Fault detection An example of this was the identification of an evolving main cable phase-to-phase fault. This was a problem that was, at the time, not noticeable to any customer yet was flagged as an abnormality by reference to the DMS. This prompted an on-site investigation and repair before the fault could develop into a disruptive failure with the likelihood of a large number of customers being off supply. In another case, DMS helped an operational team that was planning for the change of an 11kV/LV substation. The data in the DMS gave confidence that the load fed from the substation could be transferred onto adjacent substations via LV backfeeds during the outage. This allowed the DNO to avoid the cost of running carbon-intensive temporary diesel generators and also the manpower cost associated with setting up and disconnection of generation at the beginning and end of the outage. The data availability from the DMS was also shown to be an aid to managers who co-ordinate fault restoration. For example, the DMS data allows fault- response managers to direct staff to the likely fault location. This is in contrast to having to manually gather observations from the LV feeder pillar before attempting to deduce where the fault location could be. Overcoming hurdles There are still hurdles to be overcome before the monitoring methodology trialled in NTVV can fully achieve its potential. In particular, these challenges relate to the accessibility of data, especially in more remote rural areas. That said, the NTVV trials have delivered many use- ful lessons on how this can be done effectively. However, for this to be a truly cost-effective solution, there will need to be a larger and targeted application of a standardised monitoring solution across the DNO area. This will allow economies of scale that can bring efficiency and cost reduction to the DNO, and ultimately benefit all customers connected to the network. Business as usual NTVV has made use of a distribution management system (DMS) designed to demonstrate how extensive monitoring and control of the LV network can be implemented. NTVV has created a set of procedures that will help ensure the transition from a trial of smart low-voltage networks to "business as usual" in a seamless manner. Under NTVV, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has developed active distribution device management (ADDM) to automatically dispatch smart technologies like energy storage management units (ESMU) and demand-side response (DSR). This means better utilisation and improved quality of supply with potentially fewer interruptions for customers. One of the most valuable lessons learned from NTVV has been where and how to best deploy smart technologies such as ESMUS, ADDM and DSR on the network. Changing demand One of the greatest benefits which will flow from smart networks is the ability to cope with changing demand pat- terns without always resorting to reinforcement. Effective control of smart technologies such as ESMU and DSR through a demand management system will become increasingly important in ensuring that the network operates within its limits. ESMU 914 PEU ESU ESMU 913 PEU ESU ESMU 912 PEU ESU ESMU installations Feeder 6 Feeder 1 Feeder 2 Feeder 3 Feeder 4 Feeder 5 Secondary 11kV/LV distribution substations 11kV/400V transformers Primary 33/11kV substation 33kV network 11kV E7L5 E5L5 E3L5 E1L5 E2L5 E4L5 E6L5 E8L5 The New Thames Valley Vision system LV pillars with Rogowski sensors fitted LOW VOLTAGE