Network Modelling Engineer

Reference Number 77440

This Network Modelling Engineer will report to the Network Modelling Manager and will work within the Asset Management - Network Planning directorate based in our Bury St Edmunds or Stevenage office. You will be a permanent employee.

You will attract a salary of £71,914.00 and a bonus of 3%

Close Date: 18/02/2024

All applications will be reviewed after the close date.

We also provide the following additional benefits

• Annual Leave
• Personal Pension Plan - Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%)
• Tenancy Loan Deposit scheme
• Tax efficient benefits: cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Occupational Health support
• Switched On - scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers products.
• Supplier discounts, such as O2, EE, Vauxhall cars, Universal tyres
• Discounted access to sports and social clubs
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Job Purpose

UK Power Networks is proud to be the most reliable, innovative, and lowest priced Distribution Network Operator. We manage electrical infrastructure across London (LPN), Southeast (SPN) and East of England (EPN) and make sure our customers' power supply is reliable and secure.

Since 2010, DigSilent PowerFactory has been used by UK Power Networks to model, study and develop its three electricity networks. Each of the three models consists of full representation of a DNO network between 132kV and 11kV voltage levels, transmission network (England and Wales) and customer connections. These models are being used by several teams across five UKPN Directorates.

Network Modelling Engineers are responsible for the support and maintenance of these models. They perform daily model update activities, either directly or through the offshore team, and provide technical support and training to UK Power Networks' PowerFactory users. Network Modelling Engineers are also involved in the development of new tools and scripts in PowerFactory, to satisfy Distribution Grid Code obligations and improve business processes.

UK Power Networks is committed to help UK reach its Net Zero targets by connecting renewable energy generators, EV chargers and low carbon heating technologies to its electricity distribution network. UK Power Networks strives to meet its customers' evolving needs by improving services, supporting customers in vulnerable circumstances and going above and beyond for the communities it serves.

As member of the primary Network Modelling team and located within the Asset Management structure, you will provide support to Engineers who perform operational planning and network development tasks in UK Power Networks.

We are looking for a good level of understanding of network operation and planning, proficiency in Network Modelling software packages, in particular DigSilent PowerFactory.

Principal Accountabilities

Responsible for the maintenance and update of the 132kV to 11kV electricity network model across all three licensed DNO areas of UK Power Networks, including the interface with National Grid Transmission and customer networks. To ensure high-quality of the network models your role will involve cooperative working in a multi-discipline team environment and focuses on the following areas:

• Work with UKPN users on all aspects related to DigSilent PowerFactory. Provide training to UKPN users from introductory to advanced topics.
• Improve the stability and accuracy of the models. Review asset types and network variations (and create new). Make changes to the models and associated DPL and Python scripts.
• Create equivalent and reduced models where relevant.
• Communicate with external partners on all aspects related to UKPN Network Modelling, including UKPN Customers, National Grid ET and ESO, Distribution Network Operators, Transport for London, Network Rail, Universities and research entities.
• Perform power system studies and network analysis on the EHV-132kV network to assess the impact and opportunities of external interventions such as modifications at transmission network level.
• Coordinate resources linked with DigSilent PowerFactory including the ticketing system, offshore team, reporting and development.
• Help develop the network model demand scenarios and forecasts to support UKPN RIIO- ED2 business plan, deliver improved performance and achieve UKPN DSO readiness.
• Perform quality control activities of all model updates before their release to our users. Capture and log all updates to the model in the Ticketing System (including review and logging of System Alteration Notices).
• Work with DigSilent application support team to resolve software issues related to network model and functionalities. Support other Network Modelling Engineers with management of DigSilent user accounts and permissions following regulatory requirements.
• Integration between 11kV and upstream network models to allow UKPN Engineers to understand the dynamic behaviour of the networks and identify opportunities between different voltage levels.
• Develop new tools (scripts) and support integration of advanced PowerFactory functionality (e.g. Protection, Power Quality and Harmonics, State Estimation, Cable Analysis) into the business processes.
• Review DigSilent package to keep the system aligned with National Grid and support the upgrade to the latest DigSilent versions.

Knowledge, qualifications and experience

The varied nature of the team activities benefits from drawing skills from different backgrounds. In addition to the following:

• Academic degree in Engineering, relevant professional electrical qualification or equivalent professional experience in an Engineering environment.
• An understanding of the principles of Distribution Network Operation and Power Systems Engineering.
• Proficient in the use of electricity Network Modelling software packages, in particular DigSilent PowerFactory, with a high level of understanding of technical aspects including power flow, fault levels calculations, contingency analysis, voltage profile management and model stability.

You should have knowledge of the following topics:

• Knowledge of design and operation of UK distribution systems at all voltage levels. Understanding of electricity network assets such as transformers, switchgear, cables, overhead lines, protection, substation design and others.
• Network Modelling skills, including:
• Use Network Modelling software for load flow, fault level calculations, contingency analysis, network creation or alteration, generation studies & complex modelling
• Scripting in python or DPL, Stability analysis, RMS.
• Professional experience in an Engineering environment.
• Competency in DPL and Python coding, programming skills to automate power system assessment and calculation processes using Network Modelling software; Experience of writing scripts within DIgSILENT PowerFactory is preferable.
• Awareness of Distribution and Grid Code requirements to network planning and National Grid compliance, including information exchange such as week 24/42, Long Term Development Statement and model data exchange.
• Awareness of industry related Standards, Regulations and understanding of the requirements of Engineering Recommendations, in particular P2/8, G5/5, G59, G74, G98/G99, P18, P28 and P29.

You should have some of the following qualities:

• You will provide technical training and support to colleagues in the use of the Network Modelling.
• Good report writing skills and conveying complex issues on paper. Confidence to represent the team and present technical arguments to both internal and external audiences.
• Be able to interpret and understand complex information.
• Demonstrate a practical and results-orientated approach by virtue of actions undertaken, organising and controlling tasks

We appreciate that training is important, this is why we put extra focus to team members by providing a supportive environment, comprehensive development plan and access to experienced and knowledgeable Engineers.

Should you not have the required knowledge for the role, we'll consider appointing at a lower grade for the duration of the development plan