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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/M507179/2
Title: A Low Cost, High Capacity, Smart Residential Distribution Network Enabled By SiC Power Electronics
Principal Investigator: Cross, Dr A
Other Investigators:
Yang, Dr J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Wolfson Sch of Mech, Elec & Manufac Eng
Organisation: Loughborough University
Scheme: Technology Programme
Starts: 01 February 2017 Ends: 24 March 2018 Value (£): 134,577
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Power Electronics Sustainable Energy Networks
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Electronics
Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
One of the key challenges facing the UK electrical Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) today is the Increasing demand

for power being placed on residential networks e.g. general load growth, the proliferation of electrical vehicles (EVs) and

electrified heat. At the same time, there are problems associated with voltage limit violations caused by an increase in the

connection of distributed generation (DG) and energy storage devices. This project follows on from a TSB Feasibility Study

which showed that a cost effective solution to these problems can be achieved on the existing infrastructure by increasing

the local network phase voltage to 400 V (existing cable is rated at 600V). To step the voltage back down to 230 V at each

house, DNO-owned, low-cost, 99% efficient power electronic converters (PECs) will need to be installed in the meter-box.

Our previous study showed that the 99% efficiency was essential to avoid over-heating in the meter-box and hence new,

low-cost SiC devices were mandatory. However, the cost of existing commercially available SiC is very high, which

conflicts with the need for low-cost. Therefore this project will consider a new, highly innovative fabrication technique for

SiC power devices namely 3C SiC on Silicon. This system will not only increase network capacity, but also provide

optimised connections for emerging EV charging, DG and energy storage - the "smart-grid". The project will develop a PEC

prototype which will be deployed by Western Power Distribution in a small-scale demonstration of the project.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
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Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.lboro.ac.uk