2020/4/20 Project Details Print Screen
https://www.eng.strath.ac.uk/intranet/studentprojects/project-details-print.aspx?id=3584 1/1
Class Codes
EE986 MSc Assignment
Topics
High Voltage Technologies
Power Systems
Condition Monitoring
Energy Markets
Areas
Energy Systems
Activities
Research
Dissertation
Project 3584 - Distribution System Operator: Technical Challenges and Opportunities
Project Type: Group
Maximum Number of Students in Group: 4
Maximum Number of Groups: 1
Project Description
Power distribution networks are currently undergoing a once in a generation transformation. Traditionally, distribution
networks had no observability and power flowed from large generation plant to be consumed by customers in this
‘last mile’. Now, and even more so in future, those customers can be generators themselves and the large
generators that once supplied them have been supplanted by embedded low carbon technologies. This scenario has
left power systems in a position where they are servicing smaller demands at a regional or national level but face
abrupt changes in the face of weather and group changes in local load behaviour. This calls for a balancing of
supply and demand at lower levels of the network and the entity that will facilitate this new arrangement is the
Distribution System Operator (DSO).
This project will entail researching the responsibilities of the DSO, the services they will provide and the relationship
with existing power system players such as Transmission Operators, generators and large commercial customers.
The technical enablers for these services will be discussed and the potential challenges posed by maturity of
technology and inherent system complexity should be identified.
Key Objectives
Understand the concept of the Distribution System Operator, its remit and who it will work with in a future
power system
Identify the key enabling technologies for DSO
Describe the challenges posed to DSO and the innovations that may be required to meet these
Supervisor
Harle, Dr David A (SENIOR TEACHING FELLOW - EEE)