Project Description
The NanocompEIM project consists of 2 phases. Phase 1 concluded in July 2015.
Phase 2 is funded by Innovate UK (formerly TSB) and work commenced in September 2017.
It is a collaboration between GE Grid Solutions UK (formerly Alstom Grid UK),
Gnosys Global Ltd and University of Southampton. The Supergrid Institute in France is
involved as a cooperating partner.
Current Project Aims
This project develops & validates:
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Pre-commercial, nanocomposite material formulations (with a new paradigm of performance).
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Component manufacturing processes scaled to full size for HVDC & HVAC converter &
substation equipment.
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Prototype production.
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Full qualification of large, full-size HVDC components in nanocomposite materials for
priority first market use.
It will aim to develop lower cost & higher performance energy systems with:
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Substantial CO2 and cost reductions.
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Improvements in system reliability/availability.
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Prototype production.
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The project creates a UK-based Custom Materials Supply for rapid development and
secure supply of affordable master batches for key components whilst driving deep
electricity market adoption & applications through supply chain partnering & licensing.
The project is commercially innovative, carrying out this R&D with the engagement of a
complete supply chain from materials producers to OEM for both components and equipment
manufacturers to end users in the form of the three UK Transmission System Operators.
Phase 1 Project Description
The NanocompEIM Phase 1 Project was funded by the Technology Strategy Board in January 2012.
It was a collaboration between Alstom Grid UK Ltd, Gnosys Global Ltd, the University of
Southampton and Mekufa (UK) Ltd. National Grid, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern
Electric Transmission were also collaborating with the project as UK transmission system
operators. Phase 1 concluded successfully in July 2015.
Phase 1 outcomes:
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Gained an understanding and practical experience of the production of nanodielectric
materials for potential application in HV transmission and distribution equipment
(in existence today).
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Developed a set of materials design and process rules to achieve the reliable production
of high performance materials.
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Developed processing and production strategies to produce materials with defined
controlled dispersion and interfacial characteristics.
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Achieved property and performance enhancements centred on the knowledge of
structure-property‐process relationships.
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Used the newly developed understanding of materials design and processing rules in the
production of practical nanodielectric electrical insulation systems.
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Demonstrated material scalability between laboratories produced nanocomposites and their
use in power equipment by the industrial production and testing of demonstration components.
News
Phase 1 has successfully completed
Phase 2 Gained funding from Innovate UK
Phase 2 commenced
NanocompEIM – to be represented at up and coming CIRED conference (Glasgow)