High Voltage Lab
Our High Voltage Lab is the biggest electrical infrastructure test and research facility in UK academia. Here, we are helping to transform the future of high voltage.
About High Voltage Lab
From our £9m labs, we collaborate with small businesses, large industry organisations and governments worldwide.
We share our skills, knowledge and equipment to apply research to real life problems.
What we do
Our expertise
We specialise in helping to expedite innovation in electricity infrastructure, testing new products, resolving challenges in transmission and distribution, and accelerating the electrification of future transport. We provide our partners with bespoke, cutting-edge research, supporting projects from one day to long-term collaborations.
£9m facilities
Advanced laboratories supporting high-voltage research
Bespoke research
Supporting partners with tailored projects, from one-day studies to long-term collaborations
Our impact
Equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, including equipment designed for use on 400kV power systems, we develop innovative solutions at pace. We are committed to playing a pivotal role in ensuring the UK’s low-carbon energy future is sustainable, just and secure, while training the next generation of engineers.
400kV capability
Equipment designed for use on high-voltage power systems
Low-carbon impact
Supporting a sustainable, just and secure energy future
Our capabilities
Equipment
The High Voltage Lab contains the following equipment:
- 2MV impulse generator
- 800kV AC test set
- 600kV DC test set
- 20kVA high current source (configurable to maximum current of 10kA)
- Salt fog and environmental test chambers
- Modern digital measurement equipment
- Material processing and characterisation equipment
- RIV measurement systems
- UV inspection facilities for corona monitoring
- High voltage environment chambers for testing of equipment in harsh environments
- Anechoic chamber, with 200kV input for noise and corona measurements
- Software simulation capabilities (FEA modelling, PSCAD, CDEGS)
Desk-based analysis
- Assessment of new tower, conductor and cable designs
- Electromagnetic field and interference studies
- Earthing analysis
- Failure analysis using FEA methods (electrical, thermal and multi stress)
Laboratory testing
- Noise and corona analysis
- Insulation system development and testing
- Condition monitoring of high voltage plant (switch gear and transformers)
- Assessment of new materials
- Forensic analysis
Site testing
- Asset management techniques
- Long-term tests and data acquisition
Our impact in practice
Creating fairer and greener energy
Moving towards greener sources can mean huge outlays for suppliers, and can cause reliability and access issues for customers, even in developed countries.
Our experts have been working with Electricity North West Ltd to help them move to renewable fuels while keeping costs down for families.
Read the case study about creating a fairer and greener energy supply
Accelerating the decarbonisation of electricity networks
Manchester experts have demonstrated a viable retrofill solution to replace Sulphur Hexafluoride or SF6, a potent greenhouse gas used to prevent short circuits in the electrical industry.
The solution avoids the need to replace or significantly modify existing equipment.
Read the case study about accelerating the decarbonisation of electricity networks
Improving the design of high voltage overhead lines to increase transmission capacity
Manchester researchers are working to optimise components of high voltage overhead lines (OHLs) to increase the transmission capacity of our existing electricity infrastructure.
This enables options for increasing power flow through existing lines and aids the production of new line designs, to increase flow while also reducing noise issues.
Get in touch
Consultancy and knowledge exchange
Consultancy is a quick and flexible way of providing you access to the rapid response expertise you need, when you need it.
Activity includes technical expertise and specialist opinion; and access to specialist facilities; and contribution to advisory boards.
We also offer knowledge exchange services that translate world-leading research to strengthen your business, increasing economic growth and societal benefit.
Long-term, strategic partnerships
We offer long-term partnerships for partners looking to deliver a wider portfolio of research projects.
These project are bespoke, draw on our multidisciplinary expertise, and can range from fundamental research all the way through to concept development.
These projects may include access to facilities access, and dedicated researcher time – from PhD support to professorial input.
Contact us
Contact the High Voltage Lab to discuss collaborations, consultancy or research partnerships.