The terminology used within the renewable energy industry can be a little daunting at times because many of these terms are not used in our everyday language. Please see below our website glossary.

 

a.c.

Alternating current. This is the type of current that alternates polarity in a set number of cycles per second and at a set voltage.

Applications

The Clean Power Solutions ability to solve inherent connection problems for electricity generation by use of a Smart synthetic Grid solution.

Bar

The pressure at which gas is stored or produced

Batteries

The method of storing electrical power for later use. Examples may be, Lead acid, lithium Ion, Sodium Chloride, NiCad and Flow.

Bidirectional inverters

A method of charging battery storage at a pre-set low level or taking power from the batteries and delivering it at a higher voltage

Branches

The electricity lines that connect between different busbars on the electricity grid.

Busbars

A high voltage junction point between multiple electrical circuits.

Catalytic boiler

A method of using Hydrogen or other gas in a catalytic reaction that produces heat.

Compressor

The method of increasing the pressure of a gas for later use.

Constrained connection

A connection to the National Grid that places limitations on the possible power export or import at certain times or under certain circumstances.

Controlled devices

A device that can be incorporated into a CPS scheme and can that can respond to set points to ensure the electricity synthetic grid remains within permitted limits. CPS controlled devices include all types and sizes of generator; energy storage systems; electricity demand such as EVs and heat pumps; and equipment used by grid operators to keep the electricity grid within its operating limits.

Curtailment

A controlled reduction in the power export ability of the electricity generator within real time.

Desk top survey

A first pass estimate of the possible solutions to the energy requirements of the site, possible cost and payback period.

DNO

District Network Operator. This is the company that maintains and controls the network of cables and transformers and sub stations that deliver the electricity to the low voltage side of the distribution network.

Distribution network

The electricity grid operating at the consumer end of the voltage scale. This has historically received power from the high voltage transmission network and delivered it to consumers. Most consumers of electricity are connected to the distribution network already as an on Grid connection. All on Grid renewable generation must connect to the Grid. This means that all of the exchange of power with transmission networks is becoming increasingly bidirectional.

Dynamic power system analysis

The study of the electricity grid under transient conditions to ensure stability is maintained.

Electrolyser

A method using electricity to convert purified water into its basic components of Hydrogen and Oxygen.

Fault level

The amount of the current expected to flow through a particular point on the grid if a fault was to occur.

Fuel Cell

An electrical device that can produce electricity from gas such as Hydrogen.

Grid

This is the network of delivery and transmission cables owned by the D.N.O that deliver the electricity.

Grid upgrades

The need to replace certain parts of the local Grid network to enable the export of renewable energy generation to the Grid.

Heat Exchange

The method of removing heat from one location and moving it to another location.

Hydrogen

A natural gas that is the most common in the universe. It is highly volatile and can be used in a multitude of uses such as vehicle or heating fuel.

Inverter

This is the equipment that converts the d.c. current from the generation equipment and converts it into a.c. current that can be used by domestic equipment or exported to the Grid.

kW

A measurement of the amount of power that can be supplied in a given period. 1 kW for 1 hour = 1kW/h

kWh

A measurement of the amount of power that can be supplied in a given period. 1 kW per hour

Operating limits

The parameter on the operation of the electricity grid which ensure security and safety of the local network. This will be specified for specific conditions such as reactive power, power flow, phase balance, voltage, fault level and frequency.

Osmosis filter

A method of purifying rainwater for use in a Hydrogen electrolyser.

Planning standards

The Definition of how the local electricity grid is designed and then operated to ensure secure supply of electricity to customers while meeting specific operating criteria.

Platforms

The Clean Power Solutions’ software and hardware required to host Smart, Synthetic, Grid Solutions, providing an interface with controlled devices and other local network systems.

Power companies and utilities

The owners and/or operators of the electricity network or grid.

PV

Photo Volatics. These are the panels that create the electricity in d.c. that is supplied to the inverter.

Responsive demand

Electrical equipment whose consumption of electricity can be controlled in response to differing conditions.

Site demand

The amount of electricity that is being used at any one moment within the synthetic grid network.

Smart grid

A series of electrical circuits that can automatically adjust and adapt themselves to comply with the immediate local requirements.

Standard line ratings

The nominal current carrying capacity for a given installation method and ambient temperature.

State estimation

A mathematical modelling method used to estimate the state variables of the electricity grid at a particular point where direct measurement is not available using direct measurements from other points on the grid together with a model of the electricity system. The method has traditionally been used to minimise errors associated with direct measurements.

Static seasonal ratings

The current carrying capacity of a conductor, or circuit branch of the electricity grid, calculated as a static value for a period of time, normally related to seasons of the year.

Statutory voltage limits

The limits within which the voltage of the electricity grid must be maintained.

Steady state power system analysis

The study of the electricity grid under steady state conditions to ensure adherence with planning standards and grid performance objectives.

Synthetic grid

This is an electrical system of circuits that can deliver electrical power to various locations within a predefined area, without having to use the local public supply.

Thermal limits

The thermal limits of an electricity grid are related to the maximum rated temperature of each conductor on the grid. Thermal limits are translated into ratings limits on the flow of current, and therefore power, for each component of the grid.

Transmission network

The electricity network operating at the high end of the voltage scale. Used to carry bulk power at higher voltages over long distances from large electricity generators to load centres around the country. The operation of the transmission network is crucial to the delivery of power at a national level and the effective operation of electricity markets.