Study of Distributed Generation Systems that Supplies Electrical Energy to Distribution Networks

A literature review of current distributed generation technologies, to supply electrical energy to the distribution networks, is performed. Likewise, the operation and behavior of a distributed generator interconnected with the substation, supplying electrical energy to a distribution network are evaluated. The generation of electrical energy is crucial in the socioeconomic development of a nation. Currently, the demand for electric power is growing along with concerns related to environmental issues arising from the installation and use of energy. In an energy market context, for economic reasons and population growth in Peruvian urban areas, Electrical Power Systems (EPS) are increasingly exposed to incremental stress resulting in they are operating closer to their stability limits increasing the risk of contingencies in the EPSs [13, 14]. In this scenario, the Distributed Generation (DG) appears to counteract the great environmental impact generated by the large conventional hydroelectric or thermoelectric plants. In Peru, this alternative allows to meet the needs of electricity generation in small urban centers, also contributing in this way with the decentralization of the Peruvian National Interconnected Electrical System (PNIES). The PNIES supplies electricity mainly to the most populated areas of the country. The supply of electrical energy to less populated areas is done through Isolated Systems (IS) which are not interconnected to PNIES. These systems are not monitored or regulated by the Peruvian National Interconnected Electrical System operations committee, so they do not have a formal mechanism for monitoring and controlling voltage limits, power limits supplied, stability limits, etc. This implies these isolated systems are insecure for operators and the surrounding environment, they are unreliable systems and susceptible to failures that could cause interruptions in the energy supply. On the other hand, these isolated systems are operated in a significant percentage by diesel, toxic and nonrenewable resources [14]. The operation and behavior of a distributed generator interconnected with the substation, both supplying electrical energy to a distribution network are evaluated. This distributed generator is of the rotary type, used in small-hydro.Finally, the voltage profile of the system in a permanent regime is analyzed in several operation points of the distribution network, and different load scenarios. Furthermore, the variations in the distributed generator frequency, will be analyzed in several load scenarios. Analysis was carried out in Matlab and Simulink environment which allow simulating Electrical Power Systems.