Assessing the impact of dispersed generation on medium voltage networks: analysis methods

Abstract

Summary form only given. Existing distribution networks have been designed with the assumption that the power flows from the substation to the load. The recent increase in the number of dispersed generation sources connected to MV lines invalidates this hypothesis, and this fact has consequences on the security and the quality of supply. This paper deals with the analysis method developed by Electricite de France to asses the impact of a prospected dispersed generator on steady state voltage quality, short circuit current and operation of the protection scheme. If a problem is detected, a range of feasible solutions is proposed. Given the number of generators connected each year to EDF Distribution Networks, the research and development division of EDP has developed computer software to automate these analysis.