A technical evaluation framework for the connection of DG to the distribution network

Technical advances and institutional changes in the electric power industry have resulted in a constantly increasing penetration of distributed generation (DG) resources in the grids. For the connection of new DG installations to the network a variety of factors are taken into account, including technical requirements imposed by utilities to ensure that the DG station does not adversely affect the operation and safety of the network. In this paper, fundamental issues related to the interconnection of DG installations to the grid are discussed and evaluation rules are presented, which address power quality considerations and are suitable for application by electric utility and DG engineers. The attention is focused on the steady-state and fast voltage variations, flicker and harmonic emissions. The simplified evaluation procedures of the paper are largely based on the relevant IEC publications and reflect the current practice of several European utilities. A discussion of the interconnection protection requirements is also included in the paper. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.