Integration of Green Energy into Power Distribution Systems: Study of Impacts and Development of Control Methodology

Abstract

Distributed generation (DG) is gaining popularity as it has a positive environmental impact and the capability to reduce high transmission costs and power losses. Although the integration of renewable energy-based DG will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will rely heavily on new ways of managing system complexity. As traditional distribution networks were not designed to accommodate power generation facilities, various technical issues arise in the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into grids. This chapter presents an analysis of the major obstacles to the integration of green energy into power distribution systems (PDSs). Static and dynamic analyses are carried out with solar photovoltaic (PV) generators connected to different test systems to gain a clear understanding of the effect of PVs in PDSs. The results are compared with the existing utility standards to determine the critical issues in the integration of PVs into PDSs. A novel H∞ based control methodology is proposed to ensure grid code-compatible performances of PV generators. During the controller design, special attention is given to the dynamics of the load compositions of distribution systems. It is found that the proposed controller enhances the voltage stability of distribution systems under varying operating conditions.