Embedded Power Generation

Masters of Electrical Power System

Lecture 02-03

Department of Electrical Engineering

NED University of Engineering & Technology
 Distributed Generation
• Connecting generation plants in the distribution
network is known as Embedded Generation, also
known as Dispersed / Distributed Generation.
– Embedded = Embedded in Distribution Network
– Dispersed/ Distributed = To distinguish from Central
• Distributed Generation (DG), or Distributed Energy
Resources (DER) are relatively new terms for embedded
generation
 Distributed Generation (Cont..)
• There is no strict definition of DG / Embedded Generation!!
• Some countries may define it strictly based on power ratings of the plant or
voltage levels at which connection is made.
• DG may be connected at various voltage levels from 220V to 132kV
• Very small scale generators may be connected to low voltage distribution
network
• Large generators, of several hundred MW are connected to high voltage
distribution bus bar systems
• Common attributes:
• Not Centrally Planned
• Not Centrally Dispatched
• Normally smaller than 50 – 100 MW
• Usually connected to the distribution system
 Distributed Generation (Cont..)
• Levels of penetration of distributed and renewable generation in
some countries are such that it is already beginning to cause
operational problems for the power system.
• The current policies of connecting distributed generation are
generally based on a ‘fit-and-forget’ approach.
• Difficulties have been reported in Denmark, Germany and Spain, all of
which have high penetration levels of renewables and distributed
generation.
• This is because, the emphasis has been on connecting distributed
generation to the network in order to accelerate the deployment of
all forms of distributed energy resources.
Figure 2 Connection of Distributed
Generators
 Challenges to Distributed Generation
• Distribution networks are designed for power flows
from higher to lower voltage circuits
• Conventional distribution networks are passive – few
measurements, and very limited active control
• Injection of power from distributed generation requires
that power from central generation be reduced by
equivalent amount to keep demand and supply
balanced, which requires active system-wide
coordination
 Challenges to Distributed Generation
• At present, central generation provides electrical
energy but also ancillary services, such as voltage
and frequency control, reserve and black-start,
which are essential for the operation and stability of
the power system.
 Value of Distributed Generation
• For distributed generation to compete successfully with central
generation in a competitive environment, network pricing
arrangements are critically important.
• By the time electricity reaches the end consumer, the relative ‘value’
of electricity has increased
• Distributed generation is located closer to the consumer and has
fewer requirements for the transport services of the transmission and
distribution networks.
Value of Distributed Generation
Future development of distributed
generation
 Future development of distributed
generation
• In the short term, the change in the control and operating philosophy
of distribution networks is likely to increase costs over BaU.
• Additional costs are required to cover research, development and
deployment of new technologies and the required information and
communication infrastructure.
• However, full integration of distributed generation and responsive
demand using SmartGrid concepts and technologies will deliver
benefits over the longer term
Future development of distributed
generation
Distributed generation and the
distribution system
Technical impacts of generation on the
distribution system

1. Network voltage changes

2. Increase in network fault levels
3. Power quality
4. Protection
5. Stability
 1. Network voltage changes
• Every distribution network operator has an
obligation to supply its customers at a voltage
within specified limits (typically around +/-5% of
nominal).
• The voltage profile of a radial distribution feeder is
shown in figure with the key volt drops identified:
 1. Network voltage changes

• A: voltage held constant by tap-changer of distribution transformer

• A–B: voltage drop due to load on medium voltage (MV) feeder
• B–C: voltage boost due to taps of MV/LV transformer
• C–D: voltage drop in MV/LV transformer
• D–E: voltage drop in LV feeder
 1. Network voltage changes
• The precise voltage levels used differ from country to country, but the
principle of operation of distribution using radial feeders remains the
same. Table 1.1 shows the normal voltage levels used.
 1. Network voltage changes
• For a lightly loaded distribution network the approximate voltage
rise (delta V) caused by a generator exporting real and reactive power
is given by

where
P = active power output of the generator,
Q = reactive power output of the generator,
R = resistance of the circuit,
X = inductive reactance of the circuit
V = nominal voltage of the circuit.
1. Network voltage changes
 2. Increase in network fault levels
• Many types of larger distributed generation plant use directly connected
rotating machines and these will contribute to the network fault levels.

• The fault level contribution of a distributed generator may be reduced by

introducing impedance between the generator and the network, with a
transformer or a reactor, but at the expense of increased losses and wider
voltage variations at the generator.

• In some countries fuse-type fault current limiters are used to limit the
fault-level contribution of distributed generation plant.
 3. Power quality
Two aspects of power quality are usually considered to be
important with distributed generation:
1. transient voltage variations and
2. harmonic distortion of the network voltage

Depending on the particular circumstance, distributed

generation plant can either decrease or increase the quality of
the voltage received by other users of the distribution network.
 4. Protection
A number of different aspects of distributed generator
protection can be identified as follows:
• Protection of the distributed generator from internal faults
• Protection of the faulted distribution network from fault
currents supplied by the distributed generator
• Anti-islanding or loss-of-mains protection
• Impact of distributed generation on existing distribution
system protection
Assignment:
In parallel operation, Find the relationship between
the Frequency and Power for Power Sharing.

And How Distributed Generation affect the stability

of power system?
Thank You

Department of Electrical Engineering – NED University of Engineering & Technology