Voltage Optimisation The Benefits to the Domestic Consumer

Foreword This document has been compiled by matt:e Ltd to provide evidence supporting the viability of installing voltage optimisation technology into domestic properties in the UK as an energy saving and carbon reduction measure. As a result of European Harmonisation the electricity supply in the UK is now 230V (+10/6%). Extensive independent reports have been undertaken to asses the suitability of lowering the Low voltage threshold from -6% to –10%. It should be noted that these reports were not intended to highlight the benefit of individual voltage optimisation units installed into domestic properties, but to evaluate the “Stresses on the LV network from low carbon installations” Extensive monitoring revealed that there are seldom events of the voltage network dropping below the permitted 207V. However it regularly recorded voltages significantly higher than the nominal voltage of 230V and in some cases was higher than the 253V permitted by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization. Evidence of these voltages can be found in the document LV Network Templates for a low Carbon Future, Stresses on the LV Network caused by Low Carbon Technologies. By western Power Distribution Table 11: Distribution of the magnitude of voltage measurements measured at substations found below. Range: 230V+/-

Percentage

given percentage > 10%

0.69%

(>253V) 8 to 10%

6.98%

(248.4V, 253V) 6 to 8%

49.17%

(243.8V, 248.4V)

-2 to –4%

0.00076%

(220.8V, 216.2V) -4 to –6%

0.00025%

(220.2V, 216.2V) -6 to –10%

0.00025%

(216.2V, 207V)