Demand shifting analysis at high penetration of distributed generation in low voltage grids

One of the main challenges that Europe has to face is to ensure the swift deployment of renewable energy sources by increasing their share in the energy generation mix to 20% by 2020, considering the large-scale deployment of new electricity generators in low voltage (LV) grids. The article highlights the contribution of electricity end users to achieving this target as the European Union is eager to unlock their potential in the energy sector. This article examines the penetration of distributed generation from a technical point of view and explores the possible barriers that may arise under high penetration conditions. Specifically, in the critical case of low demand and high distributed generation, the voltage could exceed the acceptable range in the LV feeder, and this can lead to the disconnection of the generator. Thus, a simple approach is used to calculate the voltage profile along the LV feeder and to estimate losses and loading. As the estimation takes the demand into account, this is followed by a sensitivity analysis - using the Monte Carlo technique - in order to track the optimal topology of flexible demand. The article suggests that, in critical cases, customers at the end of the LV feeder would be the main contributors to ensuring the uninterrupted operation of distributed generation within power quality standards. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.