Renewable Energy

Resources
Compiled By,
Prof Shivam Shrivastava
AP-EE, ITNU
Contents:
• Introduction
• Distributed Generation through Renewable Energy
• Bulk Power Generation Through Renewable Energy
• Solar Power: Issues and Concerns
• Wind Power: Issues and Concerns
Introduction
• According to a report by the International
Energy Agency, the increase of amount of
electricity produced from renewable sources
increased from just over 13% in 2012 to 22%
the following year. They also predict that that
figure should hit 26% by 2020. In terms of
total generation, renewables accounts for
19% of our present usage. More clearly needs
to be done though for the reasons stated
below, but these figures are encouraging from
the perspective of the use of renewables on
its own. Most long-term forecast models
predict that use will triple between 2012 and
2040, with a greater amount should the
planet hit 2⁰ of warming.
Distributed Generation through
Renewable Energy
• Distributed generation is an approach that employs small-scale
technologies to produce electricity close to the end users of power.
DG technologies often consist of modular (and sometimes renewable-
energy) generators, and they offer a number of potential benefits.  In
many cases, distributed generators can provide lower-cost electricity
and higher power reliability and security with fewer environmental
consequences than can traditional power generators.
Cont…
• The current model for electricity generation and distribution is
dominated by centralized power plants. The power at these plants is
typically combustion (coal, oil, and natural) or nuclear generated.
Centralized power models, like this, require distribution from the
center to outlying consumers. Current substations can be anywhere
from 10s to 100s of miles away from the actual users of the power
generated. This requires transmission across the distance.
Cont..
• This system of centralized power plants has many disadvantages. In
addition to the transmission distance issues, these systems contribute
to greenhouse gas emission, the production of nuclear waste,
inefficiencies and power loss over the lengthy transmission lines,
environmental distribution where the power lines are constructed, and
security related issues.
• Many of these issues can be mediated through distributed energies. By
locating, the source near or at the end-user location the transmission
line issues are rendered obsolete. Distributed generation (DG) is often
produced by small modular energy conversion units like solar panels.
Paradigm Shift
Potential Benefits of DG
• Distributed resources can improve the efficiency of providing electric
power.
• Transmission of electricity from a power plant to a typical user wastes
roughly 4.2 to 8.9 percent of the electricity as a consequence of aging
transmission equipment, inconsistent enforcement of reliability
guidelines, and growing congestion.
• Customers’ electricity bills include the cost of this vast transmission
grid, the use of on-site power equipment can conceivably provide
consumers with affordable power at a higher level of quality.
Cont…
• DG technologies may provide benefits in the form of more reliable
power for industries that require uninterrupted service. 
• DG can contribute to deferring transmission upgrades and expansions
—at a time when investment in such facilities remains constrained.
• DG technologies may improve the security of the grid.
• Decentralized power generation helps reduce the terrorist targets
that nuclear facilities and natural gas refineries offer, and—in the
event of an attack—better insulate the grid from failure if a large
power plant goes down.
Matrix Wise Benefit of DG.
 Basics of Islanding
• Islanding is the condition in which a distributed generator (DG)
continues to power a location even though electrical grid power is no
longer present. Islanding can be dangerous to utility workers, who
may not realize that a circuit is still powered, and it may prevent
automatic re-connection of devices. Additionally, without strict
frequency control the balance between load and generation in the
islanded circuit is going to be violated, leading to abnormal
frequencies and voltages.
Bulk power generation: Challenges
• Most RE sources are location specific.
• Lack of flexibility
• Lack of Standards

What is then efficient grid connection?

• Respect the power quality of grid
• Respect the grid protection plan
• Allow control and clear monitoring
Issues and concerns on integrating
RE(solar & wind) sources with grid.
• Voltage fluctuation and regulation
• Grid derived voltage fluctuations
• Voltage imbalance
• Power output fluctuations
• Voltage rise and reverse power flow
• Power factor correction
• Harmonic
• Frequency variation
Cont..
• No market
• Utility culture and framework
• Lack of expertise
• Limited role of private partners
• Capital cost and variable energy costs
• Transmission access and grid strength
Solutions to issues faced
• Promote market development
• Support utility RE Procurement
• Encourage Private investment
• Provide long term contracts
• Value RE attributes
• Train RE designer and operators