Grid Compliance & Connection Case Studies
Providing technically advanced electrical engineering solutions to meet grid connection and compliance requirements
VandA Engineering has a proven track record in delivering complex grid compliance and connection studies across transmission and distribution networks from 11 kV to 400 kV, supporting projects ranging from large offshore wind farms and battery energy storage systems to major rail traction loads and embedded generation.
Our expertise spans insulation coordination, ferroresonance, transient recovery voltages, power quality, harmonics, flicker, and system dynamics, underpinned by detailed modelling and real-world measurements.
We routinely work with National Grid, DNOs, and regulators such as Ofgem to develop compliant, robust, and commercially optimised connection solutions, enabling clients to secure approvals, manage risk, and bring high-value energy and infrastructure projects safely and efficiently onto the grid.
VandA Engineering Grid Compliance & Connection Case Studies.
Insulation Coordination Study – 275/132 kV, Scotland
An insulation coordination study was undertaken for a 275/132 kV system in Scotland as part of a substation upgrade. The work included assessment of fast-front (lightning) and slow-front (switching) transients under multiple operational conditions and network configurations.
Ferroresonance Study – 275/132 kV, Scotland
A ferroresonance study was carried out for a 275/132 kV system in Scotland to evaluate and quantify the risk of ferroresonance arising from parallel overhead lines, power transformers, and inductive voltage transformers.
Transient Recovery Voltage Studies – Future Networks Programme
As part of the Future Networks initiative, VandA Engineering completed a programme of transient studies across 132 kV, 33 kV, and 11 kV systems to assess transient recovery voltages (TRVs). Multiple network parameters were investigated, including transformer types, line and cable configurations, and switchgear arrangements, across a wide range of system operating scenarios.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Power Quality Studies
Power quality assessments were completed for two 400 kV-connected battery energy storage sites, each rated at approximately 500 MW. G5/5 harmonic compliance studies were undertaken to determine the need for harmonic filtering and to identify suitable filter types and configurations. Two alternative converter technologies were evaluated.
Anglian 132 kV Grid Connection Assessment
A power quality and capacity compliance study was undertaken for increased traction loading at nine feeder stations in the Anglian region supplied from the National Grid 400/275 kV system and the DNO 132 kV network. The assessment included voltage unbalance, harmonics, flicker, and network capacity using both field measurements and simulation studies.
Bramford and Felixstowe Grid Reinforcement
VandA Engineering delivered the network design for Eastern DNO grid reinforcements at Bramford and Felixstowe, including a new 400/132 kV supergrid transformer and associated 132 kV feeders. The project required complex studies of the wider 132 kV and 33 kV networks and included network reconfiguration and detailed 132 kV cable system design.
Embedded Generation – Cliff Quay
An assessment was undertaken for embedded generation at Cliff Quay, Suffolk, comprising a power station with two 70 MVA generators. The study evaluated impacts on power flow, short-circuit levels, and power quality on the local distribution network.
Hole House Gas Storage Facility
VandA Engineering provided specialist technical support to the Owner’s Engineer for a 15 MW variable-speed-drive gas compressor installation at the Hole House gas storage facility near Crewe. The work included power quality assessment at the 33 kV point of common coupling and the specification of harmonic filtering solutions.
Knapton Grid Reinforcements
For the DNO and Shell UK, VandA Engineering assessed connection applications for multiple new large loads, including four 1.1 MW natural gas screw-type cooling compressors. A comprehensive suite of studies was completed, covering power quality, protection coordination, and dynamic system interactions.
Kennett Grid Reinforcements and Embedded Generation
An assessment of embedded generation was undertaken at Kennett, Suffolk, involving a power station with ten 625 kVA generators. The study covered power flow, fault levels, and power quality impacts on the local network.
Mayfair Property Development
VandA Engineering supported the client in negotiating a supply agreement with the DNO, delivering a technically robust and commercially viable solution aligned with the client’s programme, logistics, and cost objectives.
Gunfleet Wind Farm – 164 MW
VandA Engineering designed the network connection for the 164 MW Gunfleet offshore wind farm to the 132 kV grid at Clacton. The project included dynamic studies, power flow, fault level and power quality assessments. The connection comprises single-circuit submarine and underground 132 kV cables.
Thanet Wind Farm
A 132 kV power quality and grid connection assessment was undertaken for the Thanet Wind Farm. The work included definition of network operating regimes, extensive system simulations, and development of new power quality indices in collaboration with Ofgem.
Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm
VandA Engineering carried out a 132 kV grid connection assessment for the Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm, including evaluation of system capacity, cable system design, and power quality. The project involved extensive simulation studies and development of new power quality indices for the Transmission Owner in liaison with Ofgem.
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