Evaluating Distributed Generation Impacts With a Multiobjective Index

TLDR

Evaluating the technical impacts of connecting distributed generation to distribution networks is a complex activity that requires qualification and quantification of a wide range of operational and security effects. This paper presents a multiobjective performance index for distribution networks with distributed generation that considers a broad set of technical issues. The authors compute the index for each configuration of distributed generation on the IEEE‑34 test feeder, using indices that quantify the benefit or detriment of connections at specific locations to inform utility‑generator contracts. The study presents and discusses the computed index results for the IEEE‑34 test feeder configurations.

Abstract

Evaluating the technical impacts associated with connecting distributed generation to distribution networks is a complex activity requiring a wide range of network operational and security effects to be qualified and quantified. One means of dealing with such complexity is through the use of indices that indicate the benefit or otherwise of connections at a given location and which could be used to shape the nature of the contract between the utility and distributed generator. This paper presents a multiobjective performance index for distribution networks with distributed generation which considers a wide range of technical issues. Distributed generation is extensively located and sized within the IEEE-34 test feeder, wherein the multiobjective performance index is computed for each configuration. The results are presented and discussed.