Future level of distribution system operator's involvement in spread of microgrid technologies: a review

Abstract

The increasingly spreading household-scale renewable energy generation can create voltage problems, overloads, and other system operational issues mainly on the low voltage network. These problems cannot be handled economically effective with traditional network operation and maintenance solutions. Aim of this paper is to give an expert analysis in consideration of possible new technologies from system operator point of view bearing in mind the regulatory environment. Analytical methods and simulation were used to evaluate the effects of these technologies and trends. 14 network effects and 9 different technologies were examined. As a result a revised microgrid definition will be introduced and 5 proposed interventions are formulated.