Integrating distributed generation with Smart Grid enabling technologies

Abstract

The integration of distributed generation and Smart Grid enabling technologies and concepts to power systems has been widely accepted by the industry and academia as the key to achieve a more reliable, efficient, and secure grid, with an active participation from customers, and environmentally sustainable. However, there is a lack of information about the costs and economic benefits of research and development projects about distributed generation and Smart Grids. This paper proposes a methodology for the technical and economic analysis of the implementation of a distributed generator into a distribution network, combined with an automatic voltage control and a dynamic line rating tool. The methodology is applied to a case study to show the technical impacts and performance of the network, and the economic feasibility of the projects. A better understanding of cost - benefit analyses of such initiatives will foster de deployment of distributed generation and Smart Grid projects.