Enhancing the distribution networks stability using distributed generation

Abstract

Purpose

This paper describes models of micro‐turbines and fuel cells, which can be used in stability studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The plants models derived are based on the main equations. These models are developed in the Laplace domain and transient simulation is done using a software developed based on the MATLAB package.

Findings

The micro‐source is capable of providing effective load‐following service in the distribution system. However, the results also show that the micro‐source is not an uninterruptible power supply and does not protect the load from voltage instability while in grid‐connect mode. When a micro‐turbine plant is connected to a point where it gives support to a load in fault conditions, the lower the inertia of micro‐turbine plant, the greater is the destabilizing tendency for faults in the distribution system. On the other hand, transient stability is enhanced with aid of the SOFC inverter.

Originality/value

The effects of these micro‐sources on the network performance are shown and a distribution system embedded with the micro‐sources is used as an example. Finally, transient stability and voltage stability of the system are investigated.

Citation

Jurado, F. and Carpio, J. (2005), "Enhancing the distribution networks stability using distributed generation", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 107-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321640510571084