Distributed generation islanding-implications on power system dynamic performance

TLDR

Distributed generation can create unintentional islands that pose safety and equipment risks, and while voltage and frequency trip points and active destabilization techniques detect them, these measures can also degrade system dynamic performance. As DG penetration grows, attention must focus on balancing island elimination with the impact of detection measures on system performance when no islanding occurs. Detection relies on sensitive under‑ and over‑voltage and frequency functions, occasionally supplemented by active island destabilization techniques.

Abstract

Distributed generation can potentially support unintentional system islands, isolated from the remainder of the system. These islands pose a significant risk to safety and equipment, and need to be quickly detected and eliminated. Islands are detected by sensitive under- and over-voltage and frequency functions, sometimes aided by active island destabilization techniques. Both the passive voltage and frequency trip point and active destabilization measures to counter islanding, however, can also adversely impact system dynamic performance. As DG penetration grows, attention will need to be directed to the balance between the need to eliminate Islands, and the impact of measures used to detect and eliminate islands on system performance when no islanding occurs.