Impact of Distributed Generation in Power System Distribution Networks

Abstract

The use of distributed generation (DG) within distribution systems has increased for the last two decades due to worldwide increase in demand for electricity and governmental policy change from “conventional” energy to renewable energy. The excessive growing needs for electricity force electrical researchers to implement new approaches through the electric system. DG constitutes one of the most important developments in modern electric power systems. Integrating DG into an electricity network, especially close to load center’s, has many significant benefits but also brings with it many drawbacks such as voltage drop, and power losses. Introducing Distributed Generation (DG) in the distribution network is considered to be a promising new approach to solve these problems. DG is capable of providing some or all of the required power for the demand increase and simultaneously improves system’s performance. This study presents the impact of DG in power system distribution system improve voltage profile and reduces power losses by installing DG at different locations on the distribution networks. A radial distribution system is simulated using NEPLAN software while changing the location of DG in the system. Finally, extensive studies in a distribution network have been conducted, with and without DGs are presented to confirm the proposed ideas. The simulation results obtained proposed for selecting the optimum size and location of DG in distribution networks.