Estimation of the maximum permissible injections of the distributed generation in the LV networks based on power quality considerations

The operation of a power distribution system with a large number of distributed generation units copes with problems as voltage rising, short-circuit currents increasing, changes of power losses or power quality and reliability problems. When considering these issues, it is important to take into account that existing power network regulatory framework are presently set for the one-way model. The power distribution grids operator can make decisions related to the distributed generation units’ integration by estimating the maximum value of these units’ capacity that can be tolerated by the distribution grid without violating its operational constraints. The paper presents an approach to quantify the technical impacts of small power generation units embedded in low voltage (LV) grids. The analysis is based on a methodology that estimates the limits by relating to a CIGRE benchmark grid.