Milana Plecas

Evaluation of new voltage operating strategies for integration of distributed generation into distribution networks

With the increasing number of distributed generation connections to distribution networks, the need for better understanding of the distribution network constraints becomes crucial. As distribution networks have not been traditionally designed for two-way power flow, the reverse power flows due to the integration of distributed generation changes voltage profiles and can create significant network management issues related to both thermal and voltage limits. Whilst a large body of theory exists on the management of voltage profiles and the integration of distributed generation into voltage-constrained feeders, there has been limited real world application of these methods to date, in part because network operators are reluctant to undertake significant changes that may affect the reliability of their network. This paper provides a case study of three adjustments to existing management of an 11kV feeder that are simple and feasible to implement and evaluates their impact on connection capacity for distributed generation including the importance of location. These adjustments are: increased operational upper-voltage levels, simple demand-management, and non-firm connections to manage local voltage constraints.

Accelerating renewable connections through coupling demand and distributed generation

The objective of this paper is to investigate the options for using local demand to accelerate the connection of renewable Distributed Generation (DG) capacity. It presents a range of architectures for operating Distributed Energy Systems (DESs) that contain local demand and distributed generation. The concept of a DES is that demand is supplied by local DG either using privately owned distribution assets or a public distribution network owned by a Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Operation of a DES can help manage variability in DG output, reduce curtailment in Active Network Management (ANM) schemes, and assist the DNO in managing network constraints. They also provide a move towards local trading of electricity with potential financial and non-financial benefits to both distributed generators and local demand customers.