Active Network Management - GenAVC™

GenAVC allows power generators to connect via existing networks and cabling, without the need for systems upgrades.

This remarkable piece of technology actively manages voltage to eliminate voltage peaks caused by the introduction of new generation points such as wind turbines or landfill gas sites.

How it works

GenAVC applies proven state estimation techniques to regularly calculate voltages throughout the local 11kV network. Feedback from a small number of real-time measurements at key locations is applied to a network model to estimate the range of voltages.

Should the estimated voltage at any point on the network approach the statutory limits, GenAVC sends a control signal to the transformer Automatic Voltage Control (AVC) relay, to adjust the voltage set point appropriately. The consequent tap change operation on the primary transformer then restores the network voltages within statutory limits.

GenAVC in action

GenAVC has been trialled at two locations in the UK - Morton Park in Cumbria and Martham in Norfolk, on networks owned by United Utilities and EDF Energy Networks respectively.

It has also been actively controlling the voltage for over 3000 customers on EDF Energy Network’s Martham 11kV network since autumn 2005.  Close monitoring of active operations has shown that GenAVC™ has successfully performed as predicted in earlier studies.

Further information

Download GenAVC technical specification in pdf here.