Smart Grid Technology and Distributed Generation

Abstract

As the energy demand grows, combined with the quest to achieve Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) objective of doubling the share of renewable energy (RE) in the global energy mix by 2030, there is a significant increase in penetration of distributed generation (DG) to cater for this demand. This increase is further explained by factors such as environmental concerns, restructuring of electricity businesses, and development of technologies for small-scale power generation. For effective integration of DG into an existing traditional power system, there is need for intelligent monitoring and control of the interconnected systems. Smart grid technologies can carry out this role. Smart grids are essential to avoid lock-in of outdated energy infrastructure, attract new investment streams, and create efficient and flexible grid system. Further, application of smart grid technologies at bulk power generation and transmission levels by use of for example Flexibles AC Transmission systems (FACTs) , Direct current links like high – voltage DC (HVDC) , bulk storage , dynamic line ratings and synchro phasors (Phasor Measurement Units PMUs), have been identified to achieve reliability and quality power systems. Smart grid technologies and renewable energy integration are already making significant contributions to electricity grid operation in several countries such as Denmark, Jamaica, Netherlands, Singapore, and United States (New Mexico and Puerto Rico). This paper provides a literature review on smart grids technologies and renewable DG for bulk power generation/ transmission levels. It then identifies areas of research to develop knowledge required for appropriate placing and sizing of renewable DG units to enhance voltage stability margins while considering the probabilistic nature of the load and the DG unit’s resources in developing countries. Keywords -Distributed Generation, Smart Grid Technologies, Sustainable Energy, Stability