Distributed Generation: Issues Concerning a Changing Power Grid Paradigm

Distributed generation is becoming increasingly prevalent on power grids around the world. Conventional designs and grid operations are not always sufficient for handling the implementation of distributed generation units; the new generation may result in undesirable operating conditions, or system failure. This paper investigates the primary issues involved with the implementation of distributed generation and maintaining the integrity of the power grid. The issues addressed include power flow, system protections, voltage regulation, intermittency, harmonics, and islanding. A case study is also presented to illustrate how these issues can be addressed when designing distributed generation installation on an existent distribution system. The case study design is performed on the campus distribution system of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with the design goal of implementing renewable energy sources to make the campus a net zero energy consumer.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS in Electrical Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2010

Author dc:creator

• Therien, Scott G.M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ali Shaban

• Distributed Generation
• Power Grid
• Renewable Energy
• Islanding
• Microgrid
• Power and Energy

Identifier

10.15368/theses.2010.69

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-1311