Case Study
Zero Emission Battery Generators
Zero emission battery generators from APKI are set to support SP Energy Networks & Northern Powergrid's customers during power outages.
The Challenge
The call for innovation challenged innovators to find a clean way to ensure continued power to vulnerable customers during planned and unplanned power outages. The solution needed to be safe to use indoors, with the ability to power sensitive, lifesaving medical equipment and general welfare appliances.
During power supply interruptions, distribution network operators (DNOs) frequently use transportable generators to provide a temporary power supply to their customers, particularly those who rely on an electrical power supply for medical equipment like dialysis machines and stair lifts.
However, these generators have disadvantages, such as:
1. High levels of noise and air pollution
2. They require a constant supply of petrol or diesel, which poses problems for vulnerable customers when generators require refuelling
3. The potential risks when refuelling, such as fire caused by petrol and slippage from diesel.
What Happened?
The Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) launched a call for innovation in 2021 on behalf of network partners, to identify sustainable suitcase-size generators which could supply vulnerable customers with temporary power during outages.
APKI presented their zero emission battery generator to DNOs at a presentation day hosted by the EIC.
Extensive trials were conducted with four DNOs between September 2022 and August 2023. Following these successful trials, two DNOs chose to progress with the APKI solution, with the generators being deployed by SP Energy Networks.
Solutions and Results
Following the call for innovation, APKI's suitcase generators underwent extensive field testing by four of the six DNOs in the UK, with further testing carried out at medical centres on all equipment typically used in a home setting.
These successful field trials meant Northern Powergrid and SP Energy Networks have chose to deploy them and the units are being used to support vulnerable customers.
What's Next?
APKI are supplying in volume to Northern Powergrid and SP Energy Networks, as well as being in contact with UK Power Networks and Scottish & Southern Energy Networks regarding procurement.
APKI are continuing to develop a larger capacity battery generator, which could potentially provide full restoration of power to a customer's property.
The APKI battery marks the beginning of a new way of caring for our customers during a power cut, so they can continue to use crucial medical appliances. We're doing all we can to ensure our customers, especially those with additional needs, have an extra layer of support. Our Priority Services Membership (PSM) is offered to customers with children under the age of five, a disability or a health condition, which means they get personal updates during outages as well as visits if required. These will form part of our approach to assisting our Priority Services Members, and we’re hoping that they will be rolled out in higher quantities. This is just one of the things we do, as the people who manage the electricity network for 8m customers, to be there for those who need it most. We look forward to continuing to pave the way for innovation across the grid and ensuring our infrastructure works for all.
The Project
Live field trials demonstrated various benefits for network partners, including reduced operational expenditure (OPEX). One trial conducted on a sample section of the gas distribution network in the north of England demonstrated that LeakVISION reduced the overall time required to locate and repair multiple gas escapes, minimising disruption to customers.
As part of the SIF funded project, a trial was completed in a live hydrogen pipeline to assess the device’s functionality and its capability to safely detect leaks. The trial proved successful, providing confirmation that both the deployment and retrieval approach for the device are secure.
- The successful implementation of a live thermal imaging robotic system within an operational gas distribution network.
- The system potentially could identify specific ‘areas of interest’ that require remediation.
- The system has future capability to guide more agile asset investment decisions.
- A robotic device that uses a heating element to warm-up flowing gas, in a live distribution network, safely and without incident.
- Identification of design improvements for field operations.
The Impact
Customer Service
Minimised disruptions from excavations to assess pipes in difficult to reach places.
Societal
Reductions in the number of excavations and faster repair times.
Environmental
Reductions in the volume of gas vented to the atmosphere during complex-to-locate gas escapes.
Operational
A reduced number of excavations will lead to improved safety and will result in fewer injuries to operatives.
The Project
The aim of StreetScore Phase 2 project was to improve the accessibility and experience of street works for customers in vulnerable situations and the wider public. The focus was on prototyping and validating concepts that could minimise disruptions experienced during street works, before potentially undertaking further developmental and testing activities that facilitates the transition to Business as Usual (BAU) deployment(s).
Workshops were also held to facilitate active engagement between network operators and key stakeholders, such as community groups, charities and advocacy groups. These sessions allowed network operators to develop a greater understanding of the challenges faced by customers in vulnerable situations and provided valuable insights into how customers adapt their behaviours and lifestyle around street works. The feedback gathered has also helped to inform the shortlisting of potential prototypes and concepts for future development.
The Impact
Customers
Improvements in accessibility and safety around street works, particularly for customers in vulnerable situations.
Community engagement
Improved engagement between network operators and third parties like community groups and charities.
Health and safety
Potential to reduce the number of incidents for customers when navigating street works. Learnings from the project have also enabled recommendations for changes or updates to existing regulations.
Financial
Improved guidance in working around street works thus reducing instances of fines for networks.
The Impact
Customers
Improvements in accessibility and safety around street works, particularly for customers in vulnerable situations.
Community engagement
Improved engagement between network operators and third parties like community groups and charities.
Health and safety
Potential to reduce the number of incidents for customers when navigating street works.
Financial
Improved guidance in working around street works thus reducing instances of fines for networks.
Access to the latest opportunities in the industry
Funding support and guidance
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Access to the latest opportunities in the industry
Funding support and guidance
Connect and collaborate with innovators in the industry
Sign up to our energy innovation hub to take advantage of the benefits and see our innovation opportunities