A Guidebook to Evaluate the Use of Distributed Generation in Distribution Systems

For many years some people have dismissed the idea that small generators placed close to loads could replace large central generation plants. In the near future, this idea will probably hold true. However, many companies today are producing small generators that will have a great impact on the power grid. These generators can be used to improve the overall service to a particular area. Also, these generators can also be used to save an electric utility or end-use customer a significant amount of money. However, there are a lot of concerns in using distributed generation. As a result, there are many different issues that need to be investigated when distributed generation is used. In this thesis, a guidebook is developed for an engineer to use when distributed generation is being considered. By following this guidebook an engineer should be able to investigate proper engineering and economic issues. The engineering issues the engineer should consider are coordination, application of protective devices, voltage control, transformer winding configuration, reduction of losses and islanding. By following this guidebook, the engineer should also consider certain economic issues that include the impact of distributed generation on generation, transmission and distribution companies, the impact of distributed generation on wholesale and retail rates, and the costs associated with installation, operation and maintenance of distributed generation. As an example application, the requirements found in the guidebook are applied to a particular scenario for an existing facility that is served by a distribution company