Distributed Generation and Renewable Energy Integration into the Grid: Prerequisites, Push Factors, Practical Options, Issues and Merits

Abstract

Power system operators are in search of proven solutions to improve the penetration levels of distributed generators (DGs) in the grid while minimizing cost. This transition is driven, among others, by global climate concerns, the growing power demand, the need for greater flexibility, the ageing grid infrastructure and the need to diversify sources of energy production. Distributed renewables would not easily substitute the conventional electric grid system, perhaps because the latter is a well-established technology and it would not be prudent to abandon it, while the new distributed renewable energy technologies are generally not adequately developed to support the total load. Thus, it is becoming increasingly necessary to consider sustainable options such as integrating renewable energy sources into the existing power grid. This study is a review that is mainly hinged on distributed generation (DG) classification, the challenges of DG to grid integration, practical options used in DG integration, lessons learned from some countries with successful DG to grid integration, push factors in the growth of DGs and the merits of DG to grid integration. These standpoints of DG to grid interconnection are critical in conducting grid planning and operational studies, which should be conducted in strict observance of aspects such as optimal technology selection, optimal capacity and a suitable connection point of DGs in the network. Therefore, the perspectives highlighted regarding DG can assist power system engineers, developers of DG plants and policymakers in developing a power network that is stable, efficient and reliable.

An Elastic Energy Management Algorithm in a Hierarchical Control System with Distributed Control Devices

“…In F EEM , three variants of the implementation of the EEM algorithm for DCDs were taken into account (3).…”

“…Meeting these requirements will require the connection of a significant number of renewable energy sources (RES) to the distribution network. The RES energy generation profile is periodic and depends on weather conditions [3]. On the other hand, the reduction of greenhouse gases will result in the shutdown of a large number of conventional fossil fuel power plants processing brown coal, hard coal and petroleum [4].…”

Elastic Energy Management Algorithm Using IoT Technology for Devices with Smart Appliance Functionality for Applications in Smart-Grid

“…Modern low-voltage power distribution networks are used not only to supply electricity to the end user, but also to receive electricity from local, prosumer Renewable Energy Sources (RES) [1,2]. As the process of changing the paradigm of the system operation was not related to its adaptation to the new realities, various technical problems have emerged [3,4]. These issues range from overvoltage, rapid voltage fluctuations, harmonics, protection coordination problems, energy flows into higher voltage grids, to transient stability.…”

“…The voltage increase is caused by the positive voltage drop on the impedance of the distribution network caused by the current flow from RES [5][6][7]. The problem of increased voltage in the low voltage network can be solved by rebuilding the network using larger diameters of cables with lower impedance (lower voltage drops, but at the cost of large financial outlays) [3]. The second, more sensible solution, is the use of local energy storage, which would accumulate excess energy production from RES in the power grid [8][9][10].…”

Online Machine Learning of Available Capacity for Vehicle-to-Grid Services during the Coronavirus Pandemic

“…Effective management of electricity networks at a distribution level is increasingly important to prevent system issues due to an increase in distributed generation, for example from renewable energy systems, and demand driven in part by the upsurge in electric vehicles (EVs) [1,2]. However, enhanced system management also provides additional benefits such as the possibility of eligible assets to participate in energy markets, for example EVs through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or smart charging [3][4][5][6].…”