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May / June 2022 Volume 256 | No 3 www.electricalreview.co.uk

Informing the electrical industry for 150 years

Electric Vehicles

Powered On Live

Next-gen electric vehicles will go faster, further and cost even less to run, says McLaren.

There’s just days to go until we go live with some of the biggest names in the industry.

Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution

How Western Power Distribution is gearing up for a net zero grid.

Conten t s Regulars

04 • Editor’s Comment The energy crisis goes on and on and on.

06 • News Stories from the sector.

10 • Gossage Gossip The latest from our industry insider.

22 • Awards

The 2022 Electrical Review and Data Centre Review Excellence Awards came back with a bang.

36 • Powered On Live We’re just days away from Powered On Live, a special two-day digital conference featuring some of the biggest names in the electrical industry – don’t miss out.

40 • Products Innovations worth watching.

Features 14 • Automation, IoT & Smart Controls Simon Ward from Distech Controls shows us how technology can help control the risks of a post-Covid office.

26 • Electric Vehicles Upcoming changes in electric vehicle charging installation and what they mean for you.

32 • Fire, Safety & Security Why it’s time to think about the cyber-physical security of electrical infrastructure, according to Steve Green from Genetec.

38 • Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution Energy networks will play an integral part in getting the UK ready for net zero; find out how Western Power Distribution is gearing up for the challenge.

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EDITOR

Jordan O’Brien jordano@sjpbusinessmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Kayleigh Hutchins kayleigh@datacentrereview.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Alex Gold alexg@sjpbusinessmedia.com

GROUP ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Sunny Nehru +44 (0) 207 062 2539 sunnyn@sjpbusinessmedia.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kelly Baker +44 (0)207 0622534 kellyb@electricalreview.co.uk

GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Fidi Neophytou +44 (0) 7741 911302 fidin@sjpbusinessmedia.com

PUBLISHER

Wayne Darroch

Editor’s Comment It goes on and on and on Welcome to the third issue of 2022, and while there’s plenty of new stuff to read about from some of our expert contributors, there’s a feeling of general deja vu in the industry at the moment. Since the last issue, not a day has gone by where many households across the UK have worried about their ever-increasing cost of living. In the 12 months up to April 2022, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 9.0% – that means that the average household has seen costs rise by nearly 10% in just one year. The sad news is, there doesn’t seem to be any respite around the corner. The Government has pledged support to help those most in need, with every household in the UK being promised at least £400 towards the cost of their energy bills. However, despite the increased support, it won’t stop the ever-increasing costs. In fact, Ofgem announced recently that the price cap for energy will increase by another £800 this autumn, meaning energy prices will have doubled in just one year. While our industry is working as hard as it can to help reduce these costs, through the installation of energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy generation, electric vehicle chargers and so much more, it’s hard to mistake the pain many households are feeling. We can only hope that these households will receive the full support of the Government, charities and those in a position to help, and that the work of our industry will help stem the bleeding in the long-term. To find out more on the work our industry is doing and what’s next for the future, we’ve put together a digital conference called Powered On Live. You can read more about it in this very issue, or you can head straight to poweredonlive.co.uk to register. Jordan O’Brien, Editor

Printing by Buxton Paid subscription enquiries: subscriptions@sjpbusinessmedia.com SJP Business Media 2nd Floor, 123 Cannon Street London, EC4N 5AU Electrical Review is a controlled circulation monthly magazine available free to selected personnel at the publisher’s discretion. If you wish to apply for regular free copies then please visit: www.electricalreview.co.uk/register Electrical Review is published by

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Any article in this journal represents the opinions of the author. This does not necessarily reflect the views of Electrical Review or its publisher – SJP Business Media ISSN 0013-4384 – All editorial contents © SJP Business Media

4 Electrical www.electricalreview.co.uk Review | May / June ???? 2022

???????? NEWS

Image: 1st Principle Photography / Shutterstock.com

News VAT scrapped for energy efficiency improvements including solar panels and batteries Following the failure of the Green Homes Grant scheme, the UK Chancellor is hoping to spearhead a new era of energy efficiency improvements in homes across the UK. It hopes to do that by removing VAT from all energy efficiency improvements, which includes the installation of solar panels and batteries. Currently the UK Government charges 5% VAT on many energy efficiency improvements as long as the cost of materials does not exceed 60% of the total installation cost. That means most households are currently paying just 5% VAT to install a standard solar array. Rishi Sunak noted that energy efficiency improvements were a great way to reduce household bills during the current energy crisis. That’s why he wanted to reduce the price of these improvements, although not through a scheme like the Green Homes Grant, but by giving these products a direct tax cut. Now, anyone installing a solar panel, battery energy storage, heat pump or insulation will pay no VAT whatsoever. It’s expected that the average household could save around £1,000 under the new measure – although given the current 5% VAT rate, the savings could be much less. However, it’s important to note energy storage can only be installed with another measure, as it is not an energy-saving material by itself. In a statement, HMRC noted, “The VAT measure announced means that battery storage supplied as part of installation of a qualifying material will benefit from a VAT zero rate for the next fivr years. Battery storage has not been added to the list of qualifying materials itself and therefore will continue to be standard rated when installed as a standalone product.” Sunak praised Brexit for the fact that he was able to reduce the VAT on energy efficiency improvements and blamed the European Union for the reason the policy could not be extended to Northern Ireland. He noted that ‘deficiencies’ in the Northern Ireland Protocol prevented the zero-rate VAT on energy efficiency improvements in Northern Ireland and that he would raise the issue with the European Commission.

UK risks missing net zero goal without substantial behavioural changes The UK is at risk of missing its legally-binding net zero goal by 2050 unless substantial behavioural changes are made, according to a new report. It is already well established that hitting the net zero target of 2050 will require a lot of work on the part of businesses and consumers all across the UK, but the Energy Research Partnership has found that the current social environment is not conducive to the behaviour change needed for net zero.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from the general public, one could assume it would be easy to make the changes necessary for a reduction in carbon emissions. However, the report discovered that despite feelings of initial guilt, most people weren’t willing to change long-term behaviours. That puts our net zero goal at risk. Take eating, for example. What we currently eat represents 17% of an average household’s carbon footprint, but it’s hard to ask consumers

to assess every decision they make based on the impact it will make on the environment. Imagine having to think about how much carbon you will emit every time you plug in an EV or heat a home, it’s unreasonable to expect. That’s why the Energy Research Partnership is encouraging the Government to take a more active role in affecting real behavioural change. The report commented how a mix of regulation, incentives, nudges and penalties could motivate customers and industry towards net zero.

Image: TR STOK / Shutterstock.com

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NEWS

How the UK’s EV charging network could be about to explode The UK Government has announced major new investment to spur the development of even more chargers. The UK Government has set a target of reaching 300,000 public electric vehicle chargepoints by 2030 – which it notes is equivalent to almost five times the number of fuel pumps currently on the road today. To reach that figure, however, the network will need to increase tenfold. A new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy has been announced, which will be backed by £1.6 billion worth of investment, as well as new legal requirements on electric vehicle charging operators. £500 million will be invested towards the installation of new public chargers. This will include a £450 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, which will supposedly boost projects such as EV hub and innovative on-street charging, so those without driveways are supported in the transition. An existing £950 million Rapid Charging Fund should support the rollout of at least 6,000 high powered super-fast chargepoints across England’s motorways by 2035. While the UK Government is set to mandate that operators provide real-time data about chargepoints, requiring a 99% reliability rate at rapid chargepoints to ensure that they are working before a driver arrives. In return, charging operators have been promised that the Government will address concerns around high connection costs and delayed planning permission approvals, but it hasn’t detailed exactly how it plans on doing that.

Image: Amani A / Shutterstock.com

What is the UK Government promising in its new energy strategy?

Image: jaroslava V/Shutterstock

The UK Government has finally released its energy strategy, which it promised would secure the energy supply in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Unsurprisingly, this new strategy is unlikely to have any immediate impact. In fact, most of what has been promised within the strategy is

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years off, but exactly what will the UK’s energy system look like in the future? The plan includes: • Nuclear power is expected to play a larger role in the UK’s electrical grid going forward. In fact, while it was initially teased that there could be up to seven new nuclear power

plants by 2050, the energy strategy confirms that up to eight new generators could actually be built on existing sites • Th e UK is eager to continue leading the world in offshore wind, with the Government’s energy strategy committing to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. That would be a significant boost, as it means that offshore wind on its own would be able to meet the UK’s current needs for electricity, although it will likely need to grow further in order to meet the UK’s future demand • More impressive than the commitment to reach 50 GW of offshore wind is the Government’s promise of reaching 5 GW of floating wind •D espite weather that doesn’t make the UK ideal for solar power, the Government is committing to a five-fold increase in generation from solar panels by 2035 •A s the UK moves towards its commitment of being net zero by 2050, natural gas will be gradually phased out of the UK’s energy grid. It’s expected that by 2030 gas will account for just 5% of the electricity generated in the UK.

Gossage Gossip This cap doesn’t fit As my thousands of devoted readers will recall, I have consistently described the electricity price cap for residential consumers as a bad idea. This is true whether it is reassessed every six months, as of now, or quarterly, as the big energy companies, and now the regulator Ofgem, intend it to be. It should never have been instituted in the first place. It corrupts the market; it makes it more difficult for energy companies to hedge; and is stifling competition by effectively encouraging suppliers to charge the maximum permitted. Because the price cap is not applied to nonresidential consumers, it means that in extreme times like today, electricity suppliers are being forced to hike the prices for business customers, to make up for the loss of margin on householders. Regulating prices for just one part of the market alone is like trying to force a post-Christmas waist into a pre-Christmas suit. The spillover is all too obvious to all. ITV’s MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis is spot on when he brands Ofgem “a fucking disgrace that sells consumers down the river.”

An example to us all? It seems that the six most senior executives at Avro Energy were each taking home £250,000 per month before the failed supplier went bust. They were just one of 30 such companies licensed by Ofgem to do so. Despite this, its ex-chief executive admits he was still carrying out other lucrative jobs, even whilst (theoretically) running the electricity supplying company. After hearing this admission from Jake Brown at an evidence session of the House of Commons’ Business Select Committee, its chair Darren Jones laconically observed, “I am afraid you pretty much personify the reason why we need to change the regulation of energy companies.”

Does EV mean ‘expenditure vast’? University College London’s Smart Energy Laboratory has just published some truly unique research. It is monitoring in detail, and with their permission, the precise energy use habits of some 13,000 households. They have just published the details of their first-year analysis, and one of the most remarkable findings is to reveal precisely how much more electricity is consumed each year in a home where an electric vehicle (EV) is charged up, as opposed to one where the family car is fuelled by petrol or diesel. The Lab has monitored that plugging in an EV regularly increases the average annual electricity bill by more than 70%. That amounts to around 2,000 kWh more consumed. That is a far higher differential than most observers had expected. However, digging a little deeper, it seems as though homes with EVs do also burn a bit more natural gas than average (around 22% above the median). This consumption is likely to be largely for central heating and hot water, rather than for gas lighting. Which factoid might possibly suggest that those who run EVs are either far more generally energy profligate, or more charitably, simply live in a bigger home than the average person.

Carbon fraud on the small screen TV series production company Kelija Productions has acquired the exclusive adaptation rights to Julie Madar’s book about French carbon fraudster Marco Mouly and his run from the law. In 2016, Mouly was sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzling hundreds of millions of euros from the French Government – cash made through committing carousel fraud via the EU Emissions Trading Scheme around 2010. Deeming his sentence too harsh, the conman – one of several behind what was labelled France’s “crime of the century” – managed to flee the country without a passport, spending his first few weeks on the run as a millionaire holidaymaker across Europe, with the intention of eventually claiming asylum in Israel. Mouly spent the next five months in 14 different countries, until he was eventually arrested by Interpol in Geneva. He was also the subject of a Netflix documentary, Lords of Scam, which was released last year.

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Chinese checkers It has become clear that, for national security reasons safeguarding the electricity system, the Government has decided to minimise the amount of direct Chinese involvement in new nuclear construction. While China was originally welcomed with open arms, the idea now is to kick the Chinese out from their projected 40% funding of Sizewell C, and block entirely the concept of a 100% Chinese reactor at Bradwell B. But might this be a case of shutting the stable doors well after the horses have bolted? For instance, it seems that the special constabulary force who police Britain’s 10 civil nuclear sites do so using surveillance cameras produced by a Chinese state-backed firm called Hikvision. This firm has been sanctioned under export and investment restrictions by the US government and is implicated in human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Due to the sensitivity of their work, unlike regular British police forces, frontline officers may be routinely armed. But it won’t stop their every move being monitored by the camera manufacturers. A major worry regarding Sizewell C is reliable accessibility to copious amounts of cooling water, a growing problem in dry East Anglia. The local supplier, Essex and Suffolk Water, are statutorily bound to provide water on demand to all households – but has no such obligations for non-residential establishments. All they can offer is ‘best endeavours’ to supply. And who owns this water company? Step forward Li-Ka Shing. His company, CK Group, also owns UK Power Networks, just about the largest electricity distribution company in Britain. Li-Ka Shing happens to be not just one of the richest men in China, but also an industrialist known to be very close to President Xi. Prospective constructor Electricité de France has been instructed to cost out just how much more heavy dependence upon desalination of North Sea water will add to their overheads, already upwards of £21 billion.

SPONSORED FEATURE

Efficient testing of medium voltage circuit breakers Circuit breakers should be tested after installation, after grid extensions and at regular intervals during their lifetime, according to OMICRON.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

ypical tests include measurements of the operating times and the static contact resistance. However, many operators prefer a more comprehensive condition assessment of their breakers and therefore collect additional information using comparative measurement methods. For instance, they compare the signatures of the coil current, the dynamic resistance, or the contact travel curve over the lifetime of the breaker. If medium voltage circuit breakers are equipped with an overcurrent release, or an under-voltage release, then these should also be tested during a test run. Until recently, however, test runs as comprehensive as these were typically elaborate and cumbersome – or outright impossible. Thankfully, the OMICRON CIBANO 500 allows for the comprehensive testing of all types of high voltage breakers and now offers unique methods for testing medium voltage circuit breakers. All tests are available simply by pressing a button. Test sequences may begin with a motor current test, displaying the peak motor current and the charging time, indicating the condition of the motor and the springs. Subsequent timing tests display the timing of the main and auxiliary contacts during open or close operations. Various sequences of open and close operations can also be executed, for instance to verify the reclosing performance of the breaker. Timing tests should be combined with motion measurements. Then motion curves are recorded using digital rotary or linear motion transducers, while the timing of the open and close operations is being measured. The combination of time and motion measurements can deliver invaluable information about the condition of the moving parts of the breaker. In a minimum pickup test, a pulse ramp is applied to the coils to identify the minimum voltage that the coils need in order to operate. Finally, a contact resistance measurement is performed on all three phases, displaying the contact resistance in micro-ohms. While most tests on air-insulated breakers are performed offline, most breakers in gas insulated switchgear cannot be accessed directly and therefore call for a different measurement method. Online voltage-based

timing measurement via a voltage detection system enables CIBANO 500 users to get accurate timing results using a non-invasive test method. CIBANO 500 can also test under-voltage coils The CIBANO 500 first supplies the under-voltage (UV) release and closes the breaker, then the voltage is decreased until the UV coil opens the breaker. The result shows the minimum voltage that is necessary to supply the UV release. Overcurrent or indirect current releases can also be tested with CIBANO 500. The device applies a current pulse ramp until the breaker operates, indicating the minimum current necessary for operating the indirect current release. An ever-evolving software suite allows the user to perform all these measurements quickly and easily. OMICRON electronics UK Ltd

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AUTOMATION, IOT & SMART CONTROLS

Controlling the risks of a post-Covid office Simon Ward, Director of Sales, UK & Ireland at Distech Controls, talks us through the technologies available in the market that can assist with safely opening spaces in a postpandemic world. ore than ever, having a fully functional Building Management System (BMS) to ensure wellbeing in non-residential buildings is critical. A defective system can have serious consequences for the health of occupants by facilitating the transmission of viruses and bacteria. A study on new work habits post-Covid, carried out in Europe in June 2020, shows that 43% of people who have to return to their workplace are concerned about the hygiene measures that will be put in place to ensure a healthy environment. Employees made significant changes to their behaviour and ways of working during the pandemic, which has increased their sense of perceived safety and letting go of those feelings and behaviours will not be immediate. Many organisations are planning a phased return to the office, with a new hybrid way of working. There are also certain trends that will impact how people return including a new digitally savvy generation entering

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the workplace, the developments in technology, a culture of flexibility and the need to be mobile. Due to these changes and trends, there is an acceptance that organisations will have to invest in their building stock and upgrade their facilities to provide safe environments for their staff. Using enhanced technologies can send a powerful signal to employees that their wellbeing is a priority, while at the same time creating opportunities for future improvement. In the first instance, there are a number of proactive measures that we can put in place to make our buildings safer. These include managing indoor air quality, detecting occupied spaces, providing contactless comfort management, ensuring social distancing and identifying people that can have safe access to the building. Let’s look at air quality first. According to the US’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality is up to five times more polluted than outdoors. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers also published a guide for re-opening commercial buildings and has created four key elements building owners should do – increase the ventilation rate, increase rate of air renewal, use HEPA filtration and eradicating viruses and bacteria in HVAC systems. Once the air quality has been considered, we need to look at how we manage the spaces. With shared spaces becoming more common, it’s important

AUTOMATION, IOT & SMART CONTROLS

to know who is using a space and when, especially for cleaning purposes. Room and desk presence detectors, which record in real time if a space/desk is occupied and keep a record of occupancy over time, allow the facility manager to know the occupancy rate of the building dynamically or over a period as well as to plan which offices/spaces are to be disinfected in priority. Occupants need to feel comfortable as well as safe in their working environment and providing them with control over the space is important. With the latest generation of wall sensors and thermostats you no longer need to touch the equipment on the wall to personalise occupant comfort. To ensure social distancing, people counting sensors can be a good tool to employ. In the context of a smooth return to the office, the data collected by this type of sensor (number of people per zone) can be used to ensure that the density of people per area is within social distancing guidelines. It’s important to be open with employees and this can be delivered by providing a mix of information in an easy-to-read dashboard, available at the entrance to the building or directly from the building occupant’s phone. The dashboard could include the procedures that are put in place on the premises, for example dis-infection routine and social distancing rules, or a simplified view of the status of the BMS with information such as showing the ventilation is working optimally. A digital floor plan could be utilised and enhanced with a new type of Point of Interest to make them interactive and allow people, in real-time, to visualise the information specific to safe movement and occupancy of the premises. The key is to bring as much of the building data together, in one place, as possible. This is where open protocols combined with APIs, such as RESTful API, can be vital. With RESTful API and the open Internet Protocol (IP), communication between devices becomes easier and you

can achieve a fully integrated system. By using a RESTful API interface systems integrators can enable IT web services to easily interact with software applications.

Using enhanced technologies can send a powerful signal to employees that their wellbeing is a priority, while at the same time creating opportunities for future improvement Providing occupants with all the data they need to feel comfortable and safe in their office is vital. Clearly demonstrating the measures you have in place, as well as giving them autonomy over their workspace goes a long way to alleviating any concerns they have. When people feel like they have choice and control over various aspects of their physical work environment and are aware of the status of their environment it leads to greater satisfaction overall. There are also knock-on benefits. Improving indoor air quality may boost cognitive abilities, as well as the health and wellbeing of employees, as low air quality can interfere with workers’ productivity.

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AUTOMATION, IOT & SMART CONTROLS

The Internet of Things: a passing fad or the future of technology? Steve Janssens, Chief Operating Officer at LastBasic, discusses the evolution of the Internet of Things and how to fully harness the technology’s capabilities to ensure a fruitful future.

he number of devices that use Internet of Things (IoT) technology is projected to rise to 43 billion by 2023, with IoT technology bringing significant value to a wide range of industries. The increased adoption of IoT technologies demonstrates a market maturity made possible by the rapid advancement in the capabilities of the technologies that underpin the IoT.

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Sensors, computing power, and mobile connectivity are becoming easier than ever to integrate with existing enterprise functions, as well as contributing to the development of innovative new products. It is clear that the IoT market is entering a consolidation phase given that we are beginning to see the technology’s integration with existing functions. This phase involves settling the technology and

AUTOMATION, IOT & SMART CONTROLS

looking forward to its future potential, overcoming any potential setbacks along the way. How can we reap the true value of IoT, and drive its further expansion? Harvesting the full benefits of the IoT IoT devices offer a level of digital intelligence that is almost a no-brainer. These devices are enabled with the capacity to communicate real-time data without ever involving a human being, made possible thanks to the growing availability of low-cost computer chips and the ubiquity of wireless networks.

IoT management and performance tools are a strong solution to this common problem, as they can efficiently examine data so that the business can provide a response or fix Sometimes called ‘smart’ devices, products enabled with IoT technology use sensors to collect, send, and act on data they acquire from their environments. The IoT is making our world smarter and more streamlined by leveraging the best in automation to remove the need for human input. The IoT market has matured considerably in recent years. Many of us may think of smart speakers or autonomous vehicles when considering the IoT, but in reality, personal devices only form one part of a much larger market. Research from McKinsey demonstrates that the greatest potential for the market is in operations optimisation; that’s to say making business activities simpler and more efficient. IoT technologies have a huge value within the enterprise, allowing companies to automate previously manual processes, as well as capture a broader dataset on their activities, which can then be analysed to further increase efficiency. It is also important to note that as the IoT ecosystem has evolved, so has the potential of IoT hardware, used both in a business and consumer setting. Sensors have become easier to implement and both the software and firmware part of the IoT has become more user-friendly for non-technical adopters. In general, the market’s expansion has resulted in a complete end-to-end solution for IoT integration in a wide variety of settings. Integrating the IoT into existing enterprise settings As the market continues to consolidate, companies should now be establishing how they can integrate IoT technologies into their existing business model. In a world where data-driven business operations are almost essential to maintain a competitive edge, IoT capabilities can enhance existing systems to better track analytics of company performance and consumer usage metrics. Many companies currently have a wealth of data contained within their products, but often fail to properly analyse this data to gain meaningful insights that can improve operations. According to research from MIT, IoT management and performance tools are a strong solution

to this common problem, as they can efficiently examine data so that the business can provide a response or fix. Often this means that teams can harvest relevant information without the need for long and tedious manual processing, leaving them more time to focus on improving the product or consumer experience. Building better hardware products The role of the IoT as a source of insights for development does not end in the enterprise setting. The capacity of IoT devices to be ‘smart’, that’s to communicate data without human input, has significant benefits within the personal device market too. IoT technology is increasingly being integrated into the realm of wellbeing products, highlighting how the IoT can provide tangible benefits to the lifestyles of its users. For example, the Affirmation Smart Mirror takes advantage of IoT technology to use wireless connections to exchange data with the user’s mobile phone over the internet. This allows the user to control a cycle of motivational quotes, or affirmations, which are then displayed immediately on the mirror. As such, IoT contributes to a sense of empowerment and positive mental wellbeing in the home, aiming to combat the negative cycle of poor mental health experienced by a significant part of the population. Looking forward to the future The IoT has supported product development in a wide variety of applications, whether that be within businesses or in a user’s personal life. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the IoT is here to stay, with further consolidation of the market just around the corner. The IoT is currently in a phase of integration with existing devices and applications, and the natural next step will involve further integration between different IoT devices.

Currently, there are a variety of different connections used between hardware and the cloud, which is impeding the market’s expansion For a comprehensive rollout of IoT applications, manufacturers, vendors, and users largely agree that a universal IoT connector is needed. Currently, there are a variety of different connections used between hardware and the cloud, which is impeding the market’s expansion. The IoT industry needs to choose a globally-accepted standard and allow for a more ‘plug and play’ approach to popular products so that devices can be developed more easily in future. Indeed, alongside the provision of standards around IoT connections, the industry would benefit from further guidelines on security protocols to ensure that it is both successful and safe for its users. As with any nascent technology, the process of consolidation involves multiple steps, each requiring in-depth research and multiple iterations. The IoT clearly has an important role to play in the future of technology, and its development promises to offer a more connected, data-driven future for everyone on board.

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AUTOMATION, IOT & SMART CONTROLS

Overcoming urban challenges with smart street lighting Phil Beecher, CEO and President, Wi-SUN Alliance, espouses the benefits of adopting smart, IoT-connected street lighting. mart technologies are becoming increasingly critical to the successful functioning of urban environments, which continue to be subjected to ever-greater pressures. The United Nations has previously revealed that the number of people living in cities multiplied roughly 5.6 times between 1950 and 2018, and by 2050 more than two-thirds of the global population will be living in urban areas. Such a mass influx of people is creating a host of different and difficult challenges. From the amount of traffic on the roads, rising carbon emissions and poor air quality, to increasingly hard-to-manage urban waste and a growing strain on utilities. Huge stresses are being placed on critical infrastructure and city services that simply were not designed to cater to such volumes of people. It is an uphill battle, yet one that technology is helping to tackle. Between highways and pedestrianised streets, many of the urban environments that we frequent are now leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to facilitate remote monitoring, management and control of critical assets, generating huge streams of real-time data that can be used to pro-

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vide critical insights and actionable information. For smart city planners, IoT is becoming a top priority for this reason. Wi-SUN published a new report in March titled The Journey to IoT Maturity, which asked IT decision makers from the UK and the US who had already adopted or were planning to adopt IoT. The report found that more than 92% plan to invest in IoT technologies over the next 12 months in order to remain competitive. IoT adopters increasingly looking to smart street lighting for benefits This consensus is leading to an uptick in planned deployments, with smart street lighting as one area where IoT is having a major impact. According to the Global Smart Street Lighting & Smart Cities: Market Forecast (2020-2029) Volume VI, more than one in four streetlights globally have been converted to LEDs, while over 10 million smart streetlights have been connected globally (not including China and India). As the deployments of smart street lights rise, the benefits continue to become more evident. In Miami in Florida, for example, half a million

AUTOMATION, IOT & SMART CONTROLS

street lights have been connected, helping to dramatically reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions across the city. In Paris, 280,000 connected street lights are delivering 70% savings on annual street light energy costs, according to IoT Analytics. The business case is inspiring more and more IoT adopters to ramp up investment. According to Wi-SUN’s latest report, IoT adopters very likely or definitely planning to deploy the technology for street lighting has risen to 72% in 2022, up from 61% in our 2017 IoT study.

More than one in four streetlights globally have been converted to LEDs, while over 10 million smart streetlights have been connected globally The case for smart street lighting in the City of London Both the Miami and Paris projects are just two examples of street lighting projects supported by wireless mesh technology. The City of London has also deployed a similar network to support 15,000 connected street lights, as well as supporting other applications for environmental purposes and for monitoring the presence of lifebelts along the River Thames. Completed last year, the initiative has been a core component of the capital’s transition to becoming a smart city, these sensors will be used to collect data and build a business case for further technology investment. Out-dated and inefficient lighting systems were replaced to help manage rising energy costs, reduce energy consumption and improve citizen safety, lighting up London’s streets, walkways, landmarks, and other infrastructure like bridges and tunnels. To succeed in a project of such scale, the City required a wireless communications network capable of reaching the urban landscape’s uniquely dense and narrow lanes that lie between the modern high rises and historic buildings.

In Paris, 280,000 connected street lights are delivering 70% savings on annual street light energy costs, according to IoT Analytics Completed two years ago, the City authority is now saving 60% on its energy costs derived from light, and has since moved into the next phase of its smart city journey, installing traffic and air quality monitoring sensors powered by the very same network as part of a trial into zero emissions. The success of smart street lamps in London is a compelling case study. Occupying just over a square mile, the City has a large population of around 450,000 workers in the daytime, but only 9,400 permanent residents at night. Managing and moving such volumes of people is a massive challenge, and the street lighting initiative has played an important role in supporting this, balancing the need for public safety, energy efficiency under increasing sustainability pressures and saving money.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Aico launches City & Guilds Assured qualification Aico has expanded its educational offering with the launch of its City & Guilds Assured qualification on Domestic Fire & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Systems.

s the European market leader in home life safety, Aico places education at the forefront, promoting best practice and delivering a range of free training for its supply chain across the UK. To further support its customers, Aico is proud to introduce its City & Guilds Assured qualification – a global quality benchmark that recognises excellence in training and learning. The qualification is a continuation of Aico’s FIA CPD-accredited Expert Installer training, which provides Installers with the essential knowledge to correctly install Aico Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems and Environmental Sensors. To provide participants with a detailed understanding, this one-day course, AA2426-01, focuses on the design, installation, maintenance, interconnection, siting, and electrical connection of Aico domestic alarm systems. The qualification has a mixture of theory-based and practical sessions and concludes with a multiple-choice assessment that must be successfully completed to earn the City & Guilds qualification. Duncan Orr, Regional Specification Manager for NI & IOM and Supply Chain Education Lead, commented, “At Aico we are passionate about

20 Electrical Review | May / June 2022

education. It is a cornerstone of our business, with tens of thousands of participants having received our award-winning, FIA-accredited, Expert Installer training. In an ever-changing and fast-moving landscape, the City & Guilds assured AA2426-01 course builds on this foundation and takes our educational offering to the next level. It is our privilege to bring this City and Guilds Assured qualification to the market and continue to promote the raising of standards, knowledge, and competence in the life safety industry.” AA2426-01 officially launched on Friday May 6, with the first session taking place at Aico’s Centre of Excellence in Oswestry and delivered by a member of the company’s expert Technical Team. To be eligible for the City & Guilds Assured qualification, participants must have completed Aico’s Expert Installer training and be a member of the Aico Installer Community – a connected online platform built to support Expert Installers. To find out more, please visit: https://www.aico.co.uk/our-services/ domestic-fire-co-alarm-systems/ To find out more about Aico Expert Installer, please visit: www.aico. co.uk/our-services/expert-installer-training/

SPONSORED FEATURE

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Winners of the 2022 ER & DCR Excellence Awards announced The winners of the 2022 Electrical Review and Data Centre Review Excellence Awards were officially announced at a gala dinner in London. Having been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ER & DCR Excellence Awards came back with a bang at Christ Church in Spitalfields, London. The evening gathered together some of the biggest names in the electrical and data centre industries for a night of entertainment and congratulations. This is now the second time in the awards’ history that Data Centre Review has been part of the festivities, with firms in the data centre industry receiving the recognition they deserve as part of these prestigious awards. The Electrical Review and Data Centre Review Excellence Awards recognise outstanding products and projects that embrace the latest in electrical engineering, display forward-thinking design and implementation, and champion the highest environmental, safety and energy efficiency standards.

Sponsors:

Entertainment Sponsors:

Product of the Year

Project of the Year

Sponsored by Riello UPS

Energy Savings as a Service (ESaaS) across Telefónica sites in Europe and LATAM

Ku:l Extreme Micro Data Centre

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Changes in electric vehicle charging installation and what they mean for you Stuart Gilby, Operational Training Manager for Estates and Facilities Management at Develop Training, discusses the latest changes in electric vehicle charging installation legislation and the growing need for qualified installers, as well as the benefits of training for employers and employees alike. iven the Government’s current net zero targets, EV charging installation is a skill that is rapidly becoming a priority within the construction industry. Broadly concerned with the installation of charging points for electric and hybrid vehicles, demand for EV charging stations in both the workplace and the home has grown significantly over the past few years. In 2021, 190,727 new battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered, a notable increase on the 108,205 BEVs which were registered in 2020, whilst demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles has increased by 590% since 2019. As a result of such consumer demand, the number of public charging points has increased by about 70% within the same time frame and demand is only expected to rise.

Recent changes to EV regulation The fast-paced nature of the industry can mean that keeping up-to-date with changes and trends can be challenging. Earlier this year, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) closed to homeowners who live in single-unit, semi-detached and terrace houses, remaining open only to homeowners who live in flats or those currently renting properties. Meanwhile, later this month on June 30, 2022, the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 is set to come into force to govern the type of charge points that can be fitted. As qualified electricians and installers, it is important to know what these changes will mean. Beginning with the EVHS, anecdotal evidence suggests that the closing of the homecharge grant will see smaller companies start to install EV charging points. Previously, many had avoided this due to the additional time it took to claim the grant money back, however it is now expected that without the added burden of the homecharge grant (a scheme which saw domestic homeowners receive £350 towards the cost of installing an EV charging point), smaller organisations will be more inclined to offer EV charge point installation. Indeed, it is important to note that while the EVHS no longer applies to some domestic homeowners, the workplace grant is continuing. Currently covering up to 75% of the installation cost, capped at £350 per point, with a maximum of 40 points per applicant business, the workplace grant is designed to incentivise companies and organisations to install EV charging points for both staff and public use. Given growing interests in greener technologies, it is highly likely that demand for qualified EV charging installers will only increase as a result. The new set of regulations highlight the need for EV charge point in-

26 Electrical Review | May / June 2022

stallers to keep up-to-date with current legislation and industry practices. The new regulations will govern the type of EV charge points that can be installed, in order to help manage the increase in electricity demand from the transition to EVs. This new legislation will ensure that charge points have smart functionality, optimising periods of time when there is less demand on the grid to allow for charging, or when more renewable energy is available. In addition to this, the new regulations will require EV charging points to meet certain, device-level requirements, enabling a minimum level of access, security and information for customers.

The benefits of qualifying as an installer, for both the workforce and the employer, cannot be downplayed The importance of upskilling Although the actual installation of EV charging points relies on techniques already familiar to practising electricians, regulation 16 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 looks at competency, interpreted that you need to be competently trained in order to carry out the installation process. At present, there are many EV installation training courses available which can enable electricians to qualify as an EV charging equipment installer. While there is a cost and a level of time commitment involved in this process, the benefits of qualifying as an installer, for both the workforce and the employer, cannot be downplayed. For the learner, there is the chance to gain vital skills and knowledge, which will allow them to safely install EV charging points in line with current industry guidelines. In learning how to install, inspect and test EV charging points, practising electricians will also be able to future-proof their toolbox of skills meaning that they will be well-equipped to deal with increased consumer demand. In supporting their workers to undertake EV charging installation training, employers will be able to gain a share of a rapidly growing market, future-proofing both theirs and their employees’ earning potential. The opportunity to gain a refreshed workforce with up-to-date and specific knowledge of the legislation, regulation, and best practice of EV charging point installation will also have enormous benefits for workforce competency and confidence.

Explore Data Centre Review The leading publication and website focusing on the data centre industry DCR provides data centre, energy, facilities and building service managers and directors with expert information to enable them to keep data centre sites running effectively while ensuring availability. The print publication is produced quarterly alongside its sister title Electrical Review and covers: • UPS & Standby Power • Cooling • Colocation & Outsourcing • Virtualisation & Cloud Computing • DCIM • Security • Edge Technology • Storage, Servers & Hardware • AI & Automation • Green IT & Sustainability • Data Centre Design & Build • Big Data & IoT

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

How the UK can lead the green industrial revolution with a world-leading EV industry

Image Credit: Ilija Erceg, Shutterstock.com

28 Electrical Review | May / June 2022

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Stephen Lambert, Head of Electrification, McLaren Applied & Chairman of the Automotive Electronics Systems Innovation Network (AESIN), highlights the technologies that are trickling down from motorsport and could soon revolutise consumer electric vehicles. ith the UK Government committing to banning the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030, the interest and investment in EV technologies is higher than ever. But if EVs are to replace traditional vehicles, a number of important hurdles must be overcome with regards to technology, materials and the supply chain. Innovation in motorsport gives us a strong indication of where EV technology is headed, and we will likely see technology first developed for the racetrack influence the performance-focused end of the consumer market. If the UK is to be seen as the place to invest in future technologies, it is important to consider how supply chains and manufacturing capabilities are developing. So, in which areas do we need to see the technology and supporting infrastructure evolving most rapidly? And what can we learn from e-motorsports to realise our ambitions?

Access to technology The automotive industry is working hard to scale up the production of batteries for a new era of electrification, but equal attention should be given to ensuring that UK manufacturers have secure access to other elements of an electric drivetrain. Technologies such as the inverter, the motor, the DC/DC converter, the charger and the charging network, will all be pivotal in ensuring the widespread transition to EVs. The ability to deliver these high value technologies presents an opportunity to play to the UK’s strengths. There’s a multitude of technologies and components sitting within electrification that present a wealth of opportunities for UK businesses to lead the charge. Introducing silicon carbide Silicon carbide is a familiar technology in the semiconductor industry. The electrification of transportation presents new applications for it, especially given recent investment in creating a UK-based supply chain to ensure access to the material. The use of silicon carbide in EV inverters is crucial for increasing efficiencies in EV drivetrains. The right inverter allows for the optimisation of the drivetrain and an overall increase of system efficiency which equates to an extended range of between 5% and 10% on a single charge. Silicon carbide technology is proving revolutionary for the EV scene, in terms of efficiency when compared to conventional inverters that are based on silicon semiconductors. It enables faster charging, higher speed motors and longer range. It produces less heat and is far less temperature-sensitive, meaning lower cooling demands.

The small size makes it much more efficient for consumer EVs, where weight and volume are make-or-break factors. These kinds of benefits will be crucial in the development of consumer and commercial EVs that can compete with traditional vehicles. The next-generation: the shift from 400V to 800V Currently, the majority of EVs use 400V inverters. However, there is an inevitable shift to 800V architectures that deliver greater efficiency, faster charging and longer range. An 800V architecture enables faster charging which, alongside silicon carbide, can bring new levels of efficiency to consumer EVs. At present, most existing EV charging infrastructure is geared towards 400V vehicle architectures, but this is expected to change as 800V vehicle architectures become more prominent. Crucially, a smaller and more lightweight inverter requires less energy to drive. This, alongside the increased efficiency in the rest of the drivetrain, enabled by silicon carbide, allows a reduction in battery size. The battery itself is often the single most expensive component of a battery EV, and can be up to 50% of the total cost.

Currently, the majority of EVs use 400V inverters. However, there is an inevitable shift to 800V architectures that deliver greater efficiency, faster charging and longer range Securing the supply chain Essential to the successful rollout of EV and EV infrastructure is a resilient supply chain that is prepared to scale up. China, Germany, Japan and the US are already investing heavily in their own domestic silicon carbide supply chains that can compete internationally. There must also be an industry in the UK, and it must happen quickly. The UK will need to consolidate its position in the high value arena, firstly in automotive which will lead the development of this technology, but also in transferring these technologies and associated capabilities into other industries, such as aerospace and rail. Further to this, the UK has the talent and reputation to lead the way in electrification, and it must use these to develop components in high volumes to serve both ends of the market. The UK engineering base and state-of-the-art R&D ecosystem has a strong record of innovation, making it the perfect environment to become a world leader in electrification technology, and be a role-model for the green industrial revolution. With the commitments the UK government has made to electric vehicles, EVs are on the precipice of being viable not just for consumers, but in the commercial sector. With the components currently at their disposal, UK-based innovators have the opportunity to develop the efficient, cost-effective technologies that will underpin this transition. The next few years are crucial in determining how the green industrial revolution is realised, with the UK having a chance to play a leading role.

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FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

Why it’s time to think about the cyber-physical security of electrical infrastructure

32 Electrical Review | May / June 2022

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

Steve Green, Business Development Manager at Genetec, explores the importance of both physical security and cybersecurity in protecting unmanned electrical and power infrastructure.

ecuring or monitoring access to electrical and power infrastructure presents a unique set of challenges, both physical and cyber. Unlike data centre operators, energy and utilities providers can’t rely on closely guarded access to dedicated facilities to keep the organisation safe. Instead, they require constant oversight of a huge range of assets, over a wide geographic area, that is frequently unmanned. These can range from larger sites, such as substations, down to the individual cabinets that are found on public streets.

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) offers new possibilities for the reliable monitoring of any form of unmanned power infrastructure In each case, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) offers new possibilities for the reliable monitoring of any form of unmanned power infrastructure. For example, it can simplify the secure granting of real-time access and automate the creation of records detailing who had access to what, when, and for what period. However, this intelligence can only be appropriately harnessed, and the physical and cybersecurity threats appropriately addressed, when all the information from a range of IoT sensors is made available through a single unified security platform. Physical security For restricted security areas, a multi-layered perimeter protection strategy is needed. A combination of different sensors and technologies should be relied upon to protect the boundary, which should comprise the holistic site and property perimeter, as well as the internal perimeter, so that all is not lost should one method fail. For example, radar and LiDAR can be helpful for any perimeter where entry and exit needs to be controlled and monitored. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) can alert users to unverified vehicles that approach any facility and can be linked to lists of highrisk vehicles known to the authorities. All these systems will give operators more of the tools required to prevent and delay intrusion, however, when these devices start to work together you create better informed incident reports. In isolation, any one sensor will have its limitations. But by combining them it is possible to build a resilient system that is difficult to defeat. With a unified solution, operators can get a better overview of all their

security devices. Being able to collate information from different devices in one place removes blind spots created by moving between separate, siloed systems. It is built from the ground up, incorporating existing IoT security hardware, and has the flexibility to integrate more hardware when upgrades are required. Operational efficiency When using different devices to gather information, incoming reports can be overwhelming. Unification makes it easier for teams to connect the dots between events and cross qualify intrusion alerts enabling communication between disparate systems. Merging data into one report is a key advantage of a unified system. For instance, if a sensor around a substation is triggered, operators can seamlessly check their video streams in the mapping module to get a broader view of the situation and confirmed location. This makes operations more efficient as operators remain in the right place to gather more information for quick decision making. It will also drastically reduce the time wasted on investigating false alarms. Cybersecurity Globally, cyber-attacks are increasing in frequency and severity. By the end of this year, the expected worldwide cost of cybercrime is $6 trillion, and this figure is expected to go as high as $10.5 trillion in 2025. IoT devices such as IP surveillance cameras have become a top target for cyber criminals because of their relatively high computing power and good internet traffic throughput. Indeed, out of date devices, or devices that have been configured poorly, are an easy attack point for hackers that want access to an organisation’s network. It is therefore essential that energy firms choose security vendors they can trust and who keep cybersecurity and privacy in mind from the early design stages. Moreover, it is crucial they follow cybersecurity best practice and maintain the health of their systems. A unified solution can help organisations achieve this, as it alerts operators on when hardware is going out of date, or if its health is posing a risk. Early warnings like this can be achieved without compromising security functions.

Unification makes it easier for teams to connect the dots between events and cross qualify intrusion alerts enabling communication between disparate systems Conclusion With the advent of new technology changing the way that unmanned energy infrastructure is kept secure, firms must reinforce their best practices to keep their sites protected. The introduction of IoT devices means little if they are unable to communicate with each other and bring the right intelligence back to the operator. Deploying unified solutions and working with partners who have a proven track record will keep security teams on top of the threat and provide more reliable security for critical industries.

www.electricalreview.co.uk 33

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

How to maintain a safe and productive working environment Joshua Evans MEng (Hons) IChemE, Applications Engineer and Head of BOFA Academy at BOFA International, highlights the importance of safety in the electronics industry. utomated soldering processes have a significant and positive impact on productivity in the global electronics industry. However, what automation in electronics doesn’t necessarily do is to reduce all risks in any given process. While it can reduce manual contact, there are still steps that manufacturers need to consider as part of their workplace occupational health strategies to help address these potential risks. This includes assessing the need for effective atmosphere management and investing in appropriate fume extraction and filtration systems. This is important for employers because the UK has strict rules in place gov-

34 Electrical Review | May / June 2022

erning exposure levels to potentially harmful airborne contaminants. These protections are mandated through the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations and expressed as workplace exposure limits (WELs). WELs are presented as time weighted averages for either 15 minutes or eight hours, in both ppm (parts per million) or mg/m3 (milligrams per metre cubed). In weighing up the best approach to fume extraction in electronics, engineering along with health and safety managers need first to understand any potential health risk presented by a given process and then assess the installation and life cycle costs of fixed and portable extraction system options. This needs to be evaluated in the context of the mix of work relative to product volume, capacity and the need for agility. If they do not have the resources in-house, companies have the option to hire consultant Industrial Hygienists to assist them with this assessment. Specifically, from an emissions perspective, this assessment needs to take account of the volume, size and chemical composition of particulate or fume emitted, paying particular attention to the potential toxicity of each substance and any resultant chemical interaction. This will inform the design of the fume extraction system architecture,

FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY

the filtration media used, the integration of sensors (for high temperature applications for example) and the most appropriate monitoring and control mechanisms. Whereas the default position for electronics companies was once to hook up any new or changed process to a vent-to-air or centralised exhaust system, now portable extraction systems are gaining traction to support more agile working practices, as well as environmental strategies. The value of a flexible approach was underlined in manufacturing settings during the pandemic environment. For the electronics sector, there are specific challenges to address. If we look at wave soldering for example, here the printed circuit board components are placed on the board and passed over a continuous wave of molten solder. Areas not to be soldered are covered with a protective ‘mask’. While this process doesn’t involve the resin/colophony present in hand soldering, which can present health risks, it can require the use of an alcohol-based solvent such as Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and a small amount of organic acid, fume from which needs to be managed, extracted and filtered. Before soldering, the boards are ‘spray fluxed’, using either a general spray process, which can generate an airborne dispersion of the flux, or a targeted jet from a robotic nozzle. Either way, the airborne contaminants created can be controlled through effective atmosphere management, which includes investment in fume extraction technology. With reflow soldering, solder paste is applied to the PCB and com-

ponents are then ‘picked and placed’. The board moves through various heating, stabilising and cooling zones, during which the solder metal ‘reflows’ or melts and solidifies around the component connection. During this process, the solvent which makes the paste liquify will evaporate and this airborne emission can then be filtered through an extraction unit. In addition, the fumes from this process will include rosin content, which can present a risk to health if not controlled. A solder flux may also be used, which is likely to possess a significant concentration of ammonium chloride. As with wave soldering, operating temperatures need to be considered to ensure the effective filtration of any potentially harmful emissions.

What automation in electronics doesn’t necessarily do is to reduce all risks in any given process Portable fume extraction systems can contribute to compliant atmosphere management in process environments through multi-stage filtration technology that includes specialist activated carbon filters designed to filter specific types of chemical emissions. This also helps protect equipment from a build-up of dust on critical components, which might otherwise impact on product quality, lead to rework or even result in production line downtime.

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Powered On Live June 15 - 16, 2022 We’re gearing up to welcome some of the best and brightest from across the electrical industry as part of our Powered On Live digital conference. This is an event like no other in the calendar, so you’ll want to make sure you tune in. Following on from the successful Powered On podcast, we’re putting together a two-day live event that you can join us for on June 15 and 16. This event will put a spotlight on the ever-changing electrical industry, highlighting some of the important lessons that will need to be learned to ensure a successful future. Powered On Live is completely free to attend, with attendees able to tune in via Zoom to watch each session, with a dedicated Q&A session available for those with burning questions to ask. Plus, for those of you who cannot make it to every session, registration guarantees you the ability to watch any of the sessions on demand, at your leisure, after the event has aired. Whether it’s the momentous work that will need to be done to achieve net zero, or dealing with modernday threats to the continuity of power, whether due to cyberattacks or extreme weather events, there will be something for everyone at Powered On Live. In fact, you can just look at the current agenda we have planned and see that this is an event you won’t want to miss. So, what are you waiting for? Register now at poweredonlive.co.uk.

Find out more at poweredonlive.co.uk 36 Electrical Review | May / June 2022

Powered On Live - Agenda June 15, 2022

June 16, 2022

9am - Welcome

9am - Welcome Back

Introduction to Powered On Live from Jordan O’Brien, Editor of Electrical Review

Jordan O’Brien, Editor of Electrical Review, welcomes everyone back for day two of Powered On Live.

9:05am - Keynote with Paul Verrill, Director, EnAppSys Understanding the current energy crisis, how long it could last and what it means for the electrical industry.

9:05am - Keynote: Machine Learning, Smarter Grids and Net Zero with Jon Berry, Data & Digitalisation Manager, Western Power Distribution

10:05am - Getting the grid ready for net zero, what challenges lie ahead?

Clever technologies using artificial intelligence are allowing the grid to operate smarter than ever before, opening up greater capacity than ever. Why is this key for achieving net zero?

Featuring Simon Orr, Net Zero Plan Lead, National Grid; Ita Kettleborough, Deputy Director, Energy Transitions Commission; Dr Laura Schade, Energy Engineer - Senior Executive Officer, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) The UK has committed to net zero by 2050, but is that goal really feasible? The electricity network is expecting an onslaught of new device connections, from electric vehicles to heat pumps. This has some worried whether the UK grid will be able to cope with the increase in demand for electricity alongside the need to decarbonise. What can the UK do to ensure that its net zero target stays on track?

10:50am - Fire Safety with Martyn Allen, Technology Director, Electrical Safety First The Grenfell Tower disaster woke up the world to the dangers of faulty electrical equipment, so how do we ensure this never happens again?

12:35pm - Is there a need for nuclear power? Featuring Professor Gregg Butler, Head of Strategic Assessment at the Dalton Institute at the University of Manchester; Jonty Haynes, Senior Analyst, Regen The UK currently leads the way in offshore wind capacity, but with the recent Energy Security Strategy, it seems that nuclear will be a key source of electricity for the country going forward. But with much opposition from environmental groups and even the Scottish Government, is committing to more nuclear power really the right strategy?

1:20pm - Decarbonising Energy – more than just renewables with Matthew Knight, Head of Market and Government Affairs, Siemens Energy 50GW offshore wind power by 2030 is a challenging target that will revolutionise the GB power grid, but what else is needed to decarbonise the energy system and how do we deliver at the speed and scale required?

1:50pm - End of Day One

10:05am - Solving the energy and climate crisis through microgrids Featuring Kayla Ente, Chief Executive and Founder, Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative; Darren Jones, UK Technology Manager, Hitachi Energy Microgrids are going mainstream in 2022 and beyond, as businesses look at ways to minimise their impact on the environment, as well as ever-increasing energy costs. But what are the full benefits of microgrids and why are they so popular?

10:50am - Why electric vehicles will be the gateway drug to energy independence and domestic decarbonisation with Tom Callow, Head of External Affairs, myenergi The UK has witnessed enormous growth in electric vehicle registrations, with the millionth new EV set to be registered this year. But what’s next for these consumers? In this session, Tom Callow, Head of External Affairs at myenergi, looks at how driving an electric vehicle will, for many, be the entry point into electrifying and decarbonising their home.

11:35am - Smart Grid-Ready UPS As Partners In The Energy Transition with Jason Yates, Technical Services Manager, Riello UPS Ltd Learn more about Master+, a pioneering pilot project by Riello UPS in partnership with RWE that enables large-scale energy users such as data centres and industrial plants to rethink the role of their UPS.

12:35pm - Dealing with renewable energy’s intermittency problem Featuring Damien Kelly, Innovation Lead, Prospering from the Energy Revolution, Innovate UK; Phil Steele, Future Technologies Evangalist, Octopus Energy; Jeremy Yapp, Head of Flexible Energy Systems, BEAMA Intermittency is inevitable when a grid is full of renewables, whether that’s because the sun isn’t shining on solar panels or there’s a period of low wind in the location of a wind farm. Thankfully, there are technologies that are helping us combat that intermittency, whether it’s energy storage or vehicle to grid. But will these really solve the intermittency issues?

1:50pm - End of Powered On Live

www.electricalreview.co.uk 37

PGT&D

Getting the grid ready for net zero Energy networks will play an integral part in getting the UK ready for net zero. Roger Hey, Electricity System Manager at Western Power Distribution, explains the task ahead. istribution network operators, such as Western Power Distribution (WPD), will be a key enabler of the decarbonisation of the country’s homes and businesses. While other industries have more time to adapt to net zero, it is not a luxury afforded to the electricity sector as we lead the way to enable others to follow. Crucially, we must build a grid that supports the decarbonisation of two key drivers of emissions; heat and transport.

Creating a smart and agile network To achieve decarbonisation in the energy sector, it will be important to create a smart and agile network that is ready ahead of need. WPD has been forging this through the use of adaptive forecasting, flexibility services and innovation projects.

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In our soon to be published Low Carbon Heating Strategy, we have relied on forecasting in order to gather insight into the various connections that may be required for a range of low carbon heating options. This forecasting also looks at the potential impact that these options may have on the local network. This is part of our Future Energy Scenarios (FES), where we have created a number of routes to net zero and analysed the network investment required for each one. This is the result of extensive stakeholder engagement, including engaging with all 130 local authorities in our area to ensure their local energy plans informed our own forecasting. However, we have also embedded uncertainty mechanisms into the Business Plan so that we can flex our investment to meet the different speeds of decarbonisation across our network areas.

PGT&D

In the same vein, flexibility will help democratise energy by transforming customers from passive recipients to active participants who can help shape the net zero electricity system. Innovation is also driving us forward as we seek to answer industry-wide barriers to decarbonising our transport and heat sectors. For example, WPD’s Take Charge project, where we have partnered with BRUSH Transformers and Moto Service. Here WPD has worked with its partners to specify, design, test and trial a brand-new pre-constructed and packaged solution for delivering large scale electrical capacity to motorway services, therefore enabling rapid car and van EV charging during peak times. The Take Charge solution provides the same capacity as a small town, to a motorway service station. By investing in adaptable and scalable technology like Take Charge, WPD is able to deploy solutions that can overcome barriers to our pathway to net zero.

Flexibility will help democratise energy by transforming customers from passive recipients to active participants who can help shape the net zero electricity system

It is through this robust yet adaptable forecasting that we are able to prepare for the mass uptake of heat pumps along with technologies that are not currently mobilised such as thermal storage and hydrogen. But even with adaptive forecasting, there is a degree of unpredictability that comes with preparing for the mass uptake of electric vehicles and heat pumps. This is where flexibility comes in, by allowing WPD to manage the peak load without having to invest in a permanent upgrade to meet a temporary spike in demand. Overall, through taking a flexible first approach in the RIIO-ED2 period, we can assure our customers that all network upgrades are wholly necessary while saving them more than £94 million in avoided reinforcement costs. Using innovation to unlock net zero A key focus for networks to gear up to net zero is the mass switch to digitalising the networks and services. By utilising digitalisation across every aspect of the business, it’s possible to improve the efficiency of the network and empower both domestic and commercial customers. As an example, an online self-assessment tool can facilitate a same-day connection response for low-carbon technologies and help the network cope with the thousands of enquiries expected from customers per day. This will not only accelerate the decarbonisation of domestic heating but will allow homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint in a manner that suits them.

Leading by example While we are working to deliver a net zero grid for the future, it goes without saying that decarbonisation starts at home, hence why WPD are leading by example with an ambitious 2028 net zero target, aiming to show others how to operate as a business within a low-carbon economy. WPD’s comprehensive Environmental Strategy is built on the premise that the energy system has to work in tandem with environmental targets in order to achieve net zero. This is why we are committed to achieving zero waste landfill by 2028, while also ensuring that all new projects achieve a 10% biodiversity gain. On top of this, we are forging ahead with decarbonising our own vehicles with a target of 89% of our commercial van fleet being electric by 2028. By creating these ambitious company targets, we are demonstrating how businesses like us can rely on the grid to electrify their fleets and reduce their carbon emissions in a cost-efficient manner. This transition is already taking place. To ensure that WPD can create this pathway to net zero, we have proposed to invest £6.7 billion across our network over the next regulatory price control period between 2023 – 2028 as we believe that investing in the network today will save money tomorrow. As outlined in our Business Plan, this proactive investment will allow our network to accommodate the 1.5 million electric vehicles and 600,000 heat pumps that will be on our network over the next five years while keeping our customers’ bills broadly flat. Electricity will increasingly become the source that fuels our daily lives as we rely on the grid to heat our homes, charge our cars and store our excess energy. It’s therefore vital that the industry invests now to create a smart electricity network which in turn will pave the way to achieving net zero and allowing customers to meet their own individual climate ambitions.

www.electricalreview.co.uk 39

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Makita’s XGT 40VMax range puts the power in your hands Makita UK has expanded its XGT 40VMax range of machines to offer professional users even more high-power products to aid their efficiency and productivity on-site. The new LS003G has been designed for high precision and consistent smooth cutting. It delivers an impressive no-load speed of up to 3,600rpm and a maximum mitre range of 60° to 60° (L-R) and bevel range of 48° to 48° (L-R). The AS001G is an incredibly versatile machine and can be used across a range of tasks including tool maintenance and cleaning, inflating and deflating inner tubes, blowing dust away from equipment and cleaning air conditioner filters thanks to its blower and vacuum modes. With Makita’s XGT 40VMax technology, the VC001GL and VC003GL dust extractors deliver impressive output that is equivalent to corded alternatives. Both machines can house two XGT 40VMax batteries so that when the first battery runs out of charge, the second one automatically kicks in. The CW001G is a 20L cooler and warmer box with seven temperature settings ranging from -18 up to 60°C, to either cool or warm food and drink items. It also features a bottle opener and USB output port for charging mobile devices.

Makita UK • 01908 211 678 Find out more: www.makitauk.com

Unicrimp introduces red and white fire-safe metal cable clips Unicrimp, part of the Scolmore Group of companies, offers an extensive range of cable accessories. The company has just extended its range of 18th Edition compliant fire-rated Metal Twin and Earth Cable Clips to include red and white options. The 18th Edition wiring regulations stipulate that cable support systems must be constructed with materials that will withstand premature collapse caused by direct exposure to heat. There are no applications excluded – trunking, conduit and cabling fixed to surfaces of the building or attached to cable support systems must all have fire-resistant supports in place. Part of Unicrimp’s Q-Fire range, the fire-rated T&E Cable Clips are manufactured from zinc plated carbon steel and are available in two sizes – 1-2.5mm and 4-6mm – and in a choice of uncoated or with a grey PPA LSF coating. The LSF coating provides long term protection for metal clips, as well as added protection for the cable during and after installation. They provide installers with an expanded choice of fixing solutions, suitable across a range of applications and environments – helping them to satisfy the latest wiring regulations.

Unicrimp • 01827 300 600 Find out more: www.unicrimp.com

Garden lighting range available from Ovia As we approach the warmer days and longer evenings, Ovia has a range of garden lighting products to help your clients get their outdoors ready for the summer months. The range sits within Ovia’s Amenity Lighting category. There are seven different wall light designs in the range including: •T wist – an IP65 11W up and down wall light with integrated Cool White LED output •V erta – 6W and 12W options for this IP54 cylindrical up or down LED wall light, finished in black and available in warm and cool white options. •C enturi – 7W IP54 boxed LED wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation, in a grey finish and in warm and cool white options. •O rna – 7W IP54 square, up and down LED wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options. •Q uadra – 10W IP54 rectangular LED backlit wall light in grey and available in warm and cool white options. •A vori – 15W max, IP54 boxed wall light, available in standard or PIR version for automatic activation. • S pear – a 7W IP65 LED spike light in a grey finish •T ribus – a 7W IP54 LED bollard available in a mini (350mm height) or maxi (750mm height) version.

Ovia • 01827 300 640 Find out more: www.oviauk.com

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ESP Fort offers a complete security solution ESP is enjoying continued success with Fort, a complete range of smart security products, which includes intruder alarms, video doorbell, video security light, sensors and a selection of 1080p cameras, which will all operate under a single app – ‘Click Smart+’. It is completely subscription-free, with no additional fees incurred. By bringing the operation of the new Fort range under the well-established, tried and tested Click Smart+ app from Scolmore, users will have control of a raft of connected home and security products all from one secure, easy to access platform. The Fort Smart Security range offers accessibility and simplicity for both the installer and end-user. It has been designed to bring simple, smart solutions together for a safer and more comfortable home. The range features contemporary styling and has been designed to be simple to install, maintain and use and provide a hassle-free security solution. At the heart of the Fort smart security range is the smart intruder alarm, which will support up to 32 RF devices and provide remote monitoring and alert notifications directly to the Click Smart+ app. The smart alarm is available in handy kits or can be purchased as separate devices for a tailor-made system.

ESP • 01527 515 150 Find out more: www.espuk.com

Knightsbridge can’t be touched over new switches In these days of heightened hygiene awareness, combined with requirements for advanced controls, Knightsbridge’s new touchless switches and switch modules help with home or commercial cleaning regimes while bringing hi-tech style to contemporary interiors. Part of the company’s popular screwless collection, the touchless switches are ideal where an enhanced level of personal or environmental hygiene is required. Beyond improved hygiene practices, the switches are also on trend for the increasing incorporation of touchless technologies into home and commercial applications. Seven colourways are available – from anthracite and matt black to brushed and polished chrome – and the switches, along with the rest of the screwless range, have an ultra-slim projection profile of only 4.3mm. The touchless switch modules combine seamlessly with Knightsbridge’s entire selection of modular frames and are simple to install as part of a modular system – whether in lighting, multimedia or datacomms applications. These modules are a 50x50mm euro module design requiring a neutral connection and a mounting box with a minimum depth of 47m. Offered in black, white, and grey, these modules will blend harmoniously with any interior colour scheme. The gesture sensor control for all switches is a simple on/off and has a detection range of 30mm.

Knightsbridge • 01582 887 760 Find out more: www.mlaccessories.co.uk

Knightsbridge ups the power with 45W USB charging sockets As the demand for USB charging points increases hugely, so does the demand for the speed and power they can deliver and Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring accessories and lighting – has jumped ahead of the game with the release of its latest charging solutions which offer up to 45W PD (Power Delivery) over a USB-C port and 18W QC (Quick Charge) over a USB-A port. For the first-time, power-hungry gadgets like laptops may now be charged straight from wall outlets using a 45W USB-C port and without the need for bulky adapters. The Knightsbridge charging solution can also charge QC devices (mainly android-based smartphones) at up to 18W, allowing for a quick charge of up to 50% in under 30 minutes with compatible smartphones. Power is shared when both ports are active at the same time. The high-performance 45W USB wall charger suite comprises two 230V 13A two-gang switched sockets and three 50mm x 50mm charging modules, depending on finish. As it is critical that charging cables can withstand the power required, Knightsbridge has also developed 60W A-C and C-C cables, as well as a 100W certified USB-PD C-C cables, to round up the collection.

Knightsbridge • 01582 887 760 Find out more: www.mlaccessories.co.uk

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Ells Patents promotes Harry Taylor to Technical Manager The world’s leading cable cleat manufacturer Ellis Patents has promoted Chartered Engineer Harry Taylor to Technical Manager. Harry joined the Rillington-based company in 2012 as a trainee design engineer – a role that included studying part-time for a degree in mechanical engineering at Hull University. He’s since added a Masters degree to the first class honours degree he achieved, and was the company’s senior mechanical engineer prior to his promotion. Danny Macfarlane, Ellis Patents managing director, said: “We put a lot of focus on developing careers for young, local people and to see what Harry has already achieved is a source of great pride for us all.” “He’s been a key member of the product development team since graduating with his first degree; and has been behind a variety of recent innovations that have all had a big market impact. I’m certain in the years to come his career will continue to flourish and that he’ll play an influential role in the future success of the company.” Harry’s first project was an update to the company’s 2 Hole Cable Clamp range with the product series selling three quarter of a million units in the nine years since its relaunch.

Ellis Patents • 01944 758395 Find out more: www.ellispatents.co.uk

AFDDs launch completes the Elucian by Click consumer unit range Among the significant changes included in the Amendment 2 to BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations) is a new requirement for Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in AC final circuits supplying socket-outlets in some types of higher risk residential buildings. Amendment 2 was published on 28 March 2022 and comes into full force on September 28, 2022. Scolmore is pleased to announce that it has added a comprehensive range of AFDDs to its Elucian by Click consumer unit and protective devices collection. The new range comprises Type A 1 Pole + Neutral True 6 kA B Curve and C Curve 30 mA Trip AFDDs with integral RCBOs, which are available in 6 A, 10 A, 16 A, 20 A, 32 A and 40 A, complete with 450 mm neutral out tails. Elucian AFDDs with integral RCBOs offer arc fault detection; fault reporting; self-test; green LED indication; and BS EN 62606 and BS EN 61009-1 compliance. They are available in 6A, 10A, 16A, 20A, 32A and 40A variants with B and C trip curves available. Scolmore has made the AFDDS with 18 mm single width size to harmonise with the existing range of Elucian RCBOs and circuit-breakers, only taking up a single DIN rail space.

Scolmore • 01827 63454 Find out more: www.scolmore.com

Megger’s Fault Sniffer 2 promises to make it easier to locate faults The new Fault Sniffer 2 from Megger provides a simple yet effective way of locating faults on underground low voltage cable networks without the need for complex and costly cable test equipment. With the Fault Sniffer 2, fault location can be carried out while the network is live and, in most cases without digging or drilling, which means that costs, disruption and inconvenience are minimised. Dual sensor technology is used which allows the instrument to distinguish between combustion gases and other natural gases that may be present in the environment. To further increase the sensitivity of the Fault Sniffer 2, an auxiliary vacuum pump backpack is available and, when this is used, almost all faults can be detected by the small amount of combustion gas that permeates through cracks in road surfaces and paving, which means that it is rarely necessary to drill holes as an aid to gas detection. The Fault Sniffer 2 is supplied as a complete kit that, as well as the instrument itself, includes a multi-probe sensor, an EFi filter set, a charger for 230 V AC supplies and a charging lead for 12 V DC vehicle supplies. All items are contained in a robust protective case with a carrying strap.

Megger • 01304 502101 Find out more: uk.megger.com

42 Electrical Review | May / June 2022

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C.K Tools launches new products and updated handle design C.K Tools has launched a new Pass-Through Modular Crimper 8P (T3853), Automatic Wire Stripper Pro (T3943) and improved two-component handle across both products and their accompanying range. C.K Tools’ new crimpers include a deadlock system and high compression for easy, safe and precise crimping of 8P Pass-Through Modular Plugs, they also cut, strip and trim wires making them the perfect multi-tool for the job. In keeping with C.K Tolls’ prestige, the crimpers have been produced with precision engineered dies and made from carbon alloy steel for strength and durability – combined with 40,000 test cycles. Moreover, they also come with a new, unique two-component handle which is more comfortable to use and enables you to apply more efficient pressure without the fear of hand strain. There’s a reason why C.K Tools is the trusted choice for trade professionals and the all-new Automatic Wire Stripper Pro (T3943) is giving everyone another reason to add it to their tool bags. With extended stripping capacity and automatic adjustments from 0.05 - 8mm², the Automatic Wire Stripper Pro now also features C.K Tools’ new two-component handle, which is also shatterproof.

Carl Kammerling International • 01758 701070 Find out more: www.carlkammerling.com

C.K Tools debuts three new multitool accessories C.K Tools, the hand tools specialist, is extending its trade favourite multitool accessories range with the launch of three new products. With oscillating tools a staple for electricians who work with a variety of materials, C.K Tools’ new multitool accessories include a Carbide Blade (T0877), Scraper (T0878) and Box Cutter (T0880), ensuring versatility and precision for any occasion. The Multitool Carbide Blade (T0877) is designed for heavy duty jobs and cutting through tough metals such as steel pipework or conduit, as well as damaged fixings such as screws, nails and bolts. The reinforced blade provides great durability and supports the requirement for precise cutting in what can often be tight working areas. For removing unwanted surface material, the Multitool Scraper (T0878) takes less effort and does less damage than a manual job and its stainless-steel blade provides strength and an easyclean surface from waste residue. The Multitool Box Cutter (T0880) provides users with quick, clean and precise cutting of one and two-gang sockets in plasterboard, wood and plastic. Its unique cutting guide also allows for more efficient secondary cuts. Not only do the accessories offer great versatility they also have a universal quick-change fitment to facilitate use with most brands of multitool.

Carl Kammerling International • 01758 701070 Find out more: www.carlkammerling.com

Automated testing of interlockings and SCADA Communication with StationScout 2.10 To speed up testing of interlocking conditions, StationScout allows you to define your test cases including expected results during preparation in the office and run them on your system with automated execution of control commands and automated assessments. The assessments include checking values from logical nodes like CILO, issuing switching commands, and checking the command response and switch state. With its simulation features, StationScout can especially speed up factory acceptance tests where only parts of the SAS are available. To quickly create signal tests, you can directly import signals from your signal list and let StationScout create the test steps for switch states and single-point status signals. Test steps for measurements can manually be added afterwards. These test plans can also be re-used during the SAT to visualise and assess the IEC 61850 signal flow. During engineering and FAT/SAT, IED configurations will likely be supplemented and adapted, which also means that the SCL file will be updated. StationScout allows you to re-import single IEDs or the whole substation configuration from the updated SCL file while keeping your test cases and custom signal names. The system diagram can also now be customised, while several time zones are supported.

OMICRON • 01785 848100 Find out more: https://bit.ly/3lY1NWG