Distributed Renewable Energy Technologies

Abstract

Distributed renewable energy technologies refer to the inclusion of generators onto the existing conventional power system network particularly at points closer to the load. These generators can be powered by various renewable energy sources. Distributed energy technologies are becoming increasingly important in the energy supply systems of many countries. Renewable distributed energy incorporates a wide range of renewable technologies including solar power, wind turbines, geothermal, hydro, biogas, energy storage and ocean thermal energy conversion systems. Renewable distributed energy also has the potential to mitigate congestion in transmission lines, reduce the impact of electricity price fluctuations, strengthen energy security and provide greater stability to the electricity grid. In this work, different renewable energy distributed generation technologies are discussed with their advantages and disadvantages. As a stand-alone system, renewable energy-based power plants often require a backup energy generator and a backup energy storage system due to the intermittent and unexpected nature of its availability. The former is utilized to facilitate the provision of electricity when the renewable energy source is not available, and the latter is a means to store excess electricity generated by the renewable energy source. By connecting a renewable energy system to an existing power grid, it is possible to bypass the need of additional components such as generators and battery systems, as the grid now acts as a backup power generator by providing electricity during downtime and by accepting excess electricity generated during surplus availability.