Integration of Distributed Generation in the Power System

A forward-thinking power-system viewpoint on the increased integration of distributed generation into the grid

Alternative, renewable sources of energy are often referred to as "distributed generation" (DG). The electric power system plays an essential role in transporting and allowing the use of this energy, and much controversy surrounds the question of the true hosting capacity of the grid when it comes to DG. This book introduces systematic and transparent methods for quantifying the effect of DG on the power system, either at a specific grid location or in the grid as a whole. It shows how to calculate—and increase—the hosting capacity for different types of networks and various types of DG, with emphasis on wind power, solar power, and combined heat and power.

This book is the first to explain the background of the "hosting capacity approach"—using the existing power system as a starting point and considering how DG changes the performance of the system when no additional measures are taken—and to provide numerous examples. The heart of the book outlines the problems surrounding the integration of DG in detail: increased risk of overload and increased losses; increased risk of overvoltages; increased levels of power-quality disturbances; incorrect operation of the protection; and the impact on power-system stability and operation. Specific solutions are discussed, ranging from building more lines and using power-electronics control to smart grids and microgrids. Theoretical models and research results are also presented.

This is also the first book to go into detail on both the "shallow" and "deep" impact of DG; it describes the impact of small generation on the distribution system and on the operation of the transmission system. Emphasizing that the introduction of DG should not result in unacceptable performance of the power grid, the authors discuss several improvements that could be made in the network, on either the production or consumption side, to enable this.

Integration of Distributed Generation in the Power System is an important resource for engineers and researchers working on power systems and the connection/integration of DG to the power system; equipment manufacturers; wind-power developers; government regulators; and undergraduate and postgraduate students in the power engineering and energy fields.