Distributed Power-Generation Systems and Protection

TLDR

Distributed power‑generation systems are expanding, transforming the grid into a mixed network, but high penetration of intermittent renewables poses integration challenges that threaten grid stability and resilience. The paper reviews power‑conversion and control technologies for DPGSs to meet utility and consumer demands and address integration challenges. The study examines DPGS impacts on the distributed grid and discusses strategies to improve connection and protection.

Abstract

Continuously expanding deployments of distrib¬uted power-generation systems (DPGSs) are transforming the conventional centralized power grid into a mixed distributed electrical network. The modern power grid requires flexible energy utilization but presents challenges in the case of a high penetration degree of renewable energy, among which wind and solar photovoltaics are typical sources. The integration level of the DPGS into the grid plays a critical role in developing sustainable and resilient power systems, especially with highly intermittent renewable energy resources. To address the challenging issues and, more importantly, to leverage the energy generation, stringent demands from both utility operators and consumers have been imposed on the DPGS. Furthermore, as the core of energy conversion, numerous power electronic converters employing advanced control techniques have been developed for the DPGS to consolidate the integration. In light of the above, this paper reviews the power-conversion and control technologies used for DPGSs. The impacts of the DPGS on the distributed grid are also examined, and more importantly, strategies for enhancing the connection and protection of the DPGS are discussed.