A theory of maximum capacity of distributed generators connected to a distribution system using electric power density model

Abstract

Recently, the number of distributed generators (DGs) connected to distribution systems has been increasing. System operators should know the maximum capacity of DGs that can be connected without problems to one feeder of the system in order to control the system appropriately. Many studies of the maximum capacity of the DG have been presented, but they have produced limited results calculated by a typical or average-value model. However, many DGs will access one feeder if deregulation of the electric power industry is accelerated in the near future. In order to deal with this situation, the authors have derived a general formula to calculate the range of the maximum DG capacity per feeder. Copyright © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. In order to deal with sets of DGs that are dispersed completely on the distribution line, the authors have derived a differential equation for the complex power and one for the voltage drop, which are expressed as functions of distance from the substation. The general formula to calculate the range of the maximum DG capacity connected to the system is determined by solving these equations under the constraints of the line voltage, the line current, and the power factor of the DGs. By a numerical analysis, the authors have calculated the maximum capacity of DGs depending on many parameters, such as the length of the feeder, the DG power factor, and the like. In a short-length system, the maximum DG capacity is governed by the current constraint, but in a long length system, it is governed by the upper voltage constraint. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(3): 18–28, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20330