Building on our involvement in an earlier project that developed first-generation Soft Open Points (SOPs) and Soft Power Bridges (SPBs), our team helped design, develop, and deliver the second-generation devices used in Active Response. These second-generation power electronic devices enable controlled transfers of power between neighbouring networks using sophisticated AC-DC-AC technology, a core enabler of the project’s solution.
Our experienced engineers designed the Active Response use-case and the operational scenarios that define when and how the solution reconfigures the network. We also carried out detailed cost-benefit analysis to improve switching decisions and reduce operational costs while increasing overall benefits in analysed scenarios.
Testing, trials and coordination
In addition, the team collaborated with the client to create technical and operational standards to guide installation and operation of the equipment, while supporting hardware and software testing and commissioning. They also helped design the field trials to support strong learning outcomes from trials.
As work package lead for stakeholder engagement, we also identified key stakeholders early, kept them informed through the project lifecycle, and led much of the external communication. This included presenting findings at industry conferences, hosting webinars and producing multimedia materials to share learnings across the wider industry.
The team also led the project management work package, coordinating tasks, milestones, and deliverables across multiple partners, running progress meetings, and actively managing risks to keep the project on track.
