Professional Documents
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February 2009
Distributed Generation
Distributed Generation
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Focus
The term micro grid is mentioned more and more in publications on distributed
generation. It generally means a collection of consumers, generators and potential
energy storage entities connected together and operated as a small grid which is
connected to the main grid, but capable of operating a self-sufficient island. The micro
grid is typically linked to the grid with the help of a switch, which allows it to work both in
grid-connected as well as island mode. However, island operation is not currently
permitted in the majority of countries.
2
Micro grids: different structures for various applications
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3
Distributed Generation
www.leonardo-energy.org
Summary
Of course, the emergence of such micro grids brings many changes. In a vertically
integrated market, where generation, transmission and distribution assets are in the
hands of a single entity, optimum decisions over the placement and connection of
distributed sources can be sought relatively easily. When the distribution operator is no
longer owner of the distributed sources, as can be the case in a free electricity market,
conflicts can occur between the wishes of the grid operator and those of the owner. The
owner is primarily interested in the profit of his installation, determined by the aggregated
energy production, whereas the grid operator makes his plans with regard to the
operation and expansion of the grid and the resulting necessary investments, principally
from the perspective of the (maximum) energy. Measures must thus be taken to ensure
that the distributed sources do not look only at the profits, but also contribute to attaining
an optimal operation of the entire distribution grid.
References
[1] S. Cobben, “Bronsbergen: The First Micro Grid in the Netherlands”, Kythnos
2008 Symposium on Micro Grids, Greece, June 2nd, 2008.
[2] X. Vallvé, “PV-Hybrid Micro Grids for Rural Electrification: Field Experience”,
Kythnos 2008 Symposium on Micro Grids, Greece, June 2nd, 2008.
[3] J. Driesen en F. Katiraei, Design for Distributed Energy Resources, IEEE Power
& Energy Magazine, Volume 6, Issue 3, May-June 2008, pp. 30-40.