Extend functionality of Smart Isolators to low-voltage grid monitoring

In this project, we aim to further extend the functionality of Verv Smart Isolators, a device that performs non-intrusive load monitoring of electrical signals. We wish to validate that our product, already deployed at customer sites around the UK, may also be used as low-voltage grid sensors to detect power quality phenomena such as harmonic distortion and transient signals.

Successful completion of this project will allow us to demonstrate that our network of Verv Smart Isolators can be leveraged by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to facilitate the monitoring of supply voltage in their network, and quickly raise an alarm if any disturbances have been detected by our energy systems. A swift response to such problems can prevent both damage to energy infrastructure and potentially harmful customer disconnection.

We will collaborate with our chosen partner, NPL, to validate that our Smart Isolator hardware can detect reference signals generated in their specialist laboratory within a matter of minutes. We believe this innovative concept has the potential to drastically enhance the monitoring capability that DNOs have access to.

The types of reference signals to be validated will be a combination of both definitions from existing standards (such as EN 50160 and IEC 61000-4-30) along with completely new test signals, or adaptations of existing ones, that are likely to occur on the modern grid network.