Assumptions and approximations typically applied in modelling LV networks with high penetrations of low carbon technologies

Uncertainties in the assessment of LV network capacity to accommodate PV and other low-carbon technologies can lead to installation constraints or costly network reinforcements that may not be entirely necessary. This paper reviews the numerous assumptions often used in such assessments and highlights those relating to time resolution of demand models, harmonics, network grounding and impedance modelling as being particularly questionable. In many cases, the individual assumptions may be low risk, but there is greater uncertainty when assumptions are applied in combination.