Approx.580 pagesApprox.580 pages

The integration of new sources of energy like wind power, solar-power, small-scale generation, or combined heat and power in the power grid is something that impacts a lot of stakeholders: network companies (both distribution and transmission), the owners and operators of the DG units, other end-users of the power grid (including normal consumers like you and me) and not in the least policy makers and regulators. There is a lot of misunderstanding about the impact of DG on the power grid, with one side (including mainly some but certainly not all, network companies) claiming that the lights will go out soon, whereas the other side (including some DG operators and large parks of the general public) claiming that there is nothing to worry about and that it's all a conspiracy of the large production companies that want to protect their own interests and keep the electricity price high. The authors are of the strong opinion that this is NOT the way one should approach such an important subject as the integration of new, more environmentally friendly, sources of energy in the power grid. With this book the authors aim to bring some clarity to the debate allowing all stakeholders together to move to a solution. This book will introduce systematic and transparent methods for quantifying the impact of DG on the power grid.

This book features extensive coverage of all Distributed Energy Generation technologies, highlighting the technical, environmental and economic aspects of distributed resource integration, such as line loss reduction, protection, control, storage, power electronics, reliability improvement, and voltage profile optimization. It explains how electric power system planners, developers, operators, designers, regulators and policy makers can derive many benefits with increased penetration of distributed generation units into smart distribution networks. It further demonstrates how to best realize these benefits via skillful integration of distributed energy sources, based upon an understanding of the characteristics of loads and network configuration.

As a result of deregulation, the US electric utility industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation with far-reaching technical and social consequences. At the heart of this transformation lies Distributed Generation (DG)-the substitution of centralized electricity production with smaller-scale technologies located in or near facilities and power

The economics and locations of sustainable energy sources have meant that many of these new generators are connected into distribution networks. It is recognized that the information flow and control of distribution networks is inadequate for these future low-carbon electricity supply systems. The future distribution network will change its operation from passive to active, and the distributed generators will be controlled to support the operation of the power system. In many countries this transformation of electricity supply is managed through energy markets and privately owned, regulated transmission and distribution systems. --

"The transformation of the electric grid from the traditional central station model to a more dynamic and interconnected system of distributed generation and distribution is a huge change in our lives, and yet one that is barely noticeable in day-to-day life unless you actually are looking for it. If you are looking, though, the rate of change is breathtaking. I know this first hand because in the roughly three years we have been working on this book the landscape already has evolved dramatically. In this time, topics we thought were interesting, such as battery storage, became drivers to the discussion while other topics faded in relevance. Indeed, one of the challenges of writing this book is our effort to assemble information that would remain interesting and useful to readers even as the technology and the law advanced. With the help of all of the authors and other contributors to this project, I think we have achieved this"--

Integration of Distributed Energy Resources in Power Systems: Implementation, Operation and Control covers the operation of power transmission and distribution systems and their growing difficulty as the share of renewable energy sources in the world's energy mix grows and the proliferation trend of small scale power generation becomes a reality. The book gives students at the graduate level, as well as researchers and power engineering professionals, an understanding of the key issues necessary for the development of such strategies. It explores the most relevant topics, with a special focus on transmission and distribution areas. Subjects such as voltage control, AC and DC microgrids, and power electronics are explored in detail for all sources, while not neglecting the specific challenges posed by the most used variable renewable energy sources. - Presents the most relevant aspects of the integration of distributed energy into power systems, with special focus on the challenges for transmission and distribution - Explores the state-of the-art in applications of the most current technology, giving readers a clear roadmap - Deals with the technical and economic features of distributed energy resources and discusses their business models

Based on one of the hottest topics in the electrical industry, Essentials of Distributed Generation Systems provides a concise overview of the five most prominent distributed generation technologies in the market: solar power, wind power, fuel cells, microturbines, and engine-generators. Logically arranged, the first half of the text examines the strengths and weaknesses of each system, summarizing the components, operations, and limitations users will encounter with the use of these systems. A broader approach is taken in the second half of the book, with the author discussing common factors that affect each of the alternative technologies. With its accessible writing style and easy-to-use format, Essentials of Distributed Generation Systems is an ideal summary of available distributed generation systems and a helpfulon-the-job tool.

In the view of many power experts, distributed power generation represents the paradigm of the future. Distributed Power Generation: Planning and Evaluation explores the preparation and analysis of distributed generators (DGs) for residential, commercial and industrial, as well as electric utility applications. It examines distributed generation versus traditional, centralized power systems, power demands, reliability evaluation, planning processes, costs, reciprocating piston engine DGs, gas turbine powered DGs, fuel cell powered DGs, renewable resource DGs, and more. The authors include recommendations and guidelines for DG planners, and numerous case studies illustrate the discussions.

For those in developed nations, suddenly being without electricity is a disaster: power cuts have us fretting over the food stored in the freezer, and even a few hours without lights, televisions, or air conditioning is an ordeal. However, for an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide, the absence of electricity is their daily experience. An untold number of others live with electricity that is erratic and of poor quality. How can electric power be brought into their lives when the centralized utility models that have evolved in developed nations are not an economically viable option? Poor, rural communities in developing nations cannot simply be ‘plugged in’ to a grid. Small-scale Distributed Generation (DG), ranging from individual solar home systems to village level grids run off diesel generators, could provide the answer, and this book compares around 20 DG enterprises and projects in Brazil, Cambodia and China, each of which is considered to be a "business model" for distributed rural electrification. While large, centralized power projects often rely on big subsidies, this study shows that privately run and localized solutions can be both self-sustaining and replicable. Its three sections provide a general introduction to the issue of electrification and rural development, set out the details of the case studies and compare the models involved, and discuss the important thematic issues of equity, access to capital and cost-recovery. Hisham Zerriffi shows that in each case, it is not simply a matter of matching a particular technology to a particular need. Numerous institutional factors come into play including the regulatory regime, access to financial services, and government/utility support or opposition to the DG alternative. Despite this, in many countries, the question is not whether DG has a role to play. Rather it is a question of how it will play a role.