Smart Meters, PMU and PQ data analysis in Active Distribution Grids – Case Studies in MV networks

Due to high renewables penetration, Active Distribution Networks are becoming a reality for every DSO. During previous years sustained effort was spent to accommodate the distribution network operational requirements to new challenges. Some topics about the DER impact on MV distribution network such as unwanted islanded operation or optimal penetration degree were covered in various studies. This paper continues the analysis of the Active Distribution Networks challenges in a case study with three micro hydroelectric power plants connected to a medium voltage distribution network. The analysis is focusing on the use of new smart meter design and of new phasor measurement unit (PMU) and power quality analyzers, in order to perform necessary observability and to enable new strategies needed to optimize the network operation or to detect and perform islanding measures in the case of networks with high renewable penetration.