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About Distributed Generation
In many developing nations and rural areas, the power distribution networks
supplying these areas are typically weak. High impedance cables, long lengths
of cabling, and increasing demand on these networks cause power quality issues.
A new trend in electric power generation is distributed generation. The concept
involves the electricity "consumer" generating electricity for their own needs,
and to send their surplus electrical power back into the power grid. A
distributed generation system can therefore meet local peak loads and displace
the need to build additional local distribution lines.
The move towards distributed generation is being driven by a number of factors including:
- Increasing environmental awareness
- Deregulation of electricity market
- Improved efficiencies and decreasing costs of alternative energy technologies
- Locating generation close to users defers the need to upgrade existing transmission system
- Short lead times for construction and commissioning
Worldwide, small to medium scale generation systems are increasingly being
connected to existing power distribution systems. Technologies used for these
distributed generation systems include:
- Photovoltaics
- Wind Turbines
- Micro-Hydro Turbines
- Small-Gas Turbines
- Fuel Cells
With recent developments in power electronic interfaces, it has been shown that
distributed generation systems can offer a range of network support functions:
- Voltage support for weak grids
- Reactive power control
- Power conditioning
- Decreased network losses
However, there are a number of technical challenges which need to be addressed
before these benefits can be realised. These include:
- Network stability
- Reliability
- Islanding / protection
- System control
These technical challenges are the cornerstone for further growth of distributed
generation systems, and are the main agenda for the international future energy
challenge (IFEC). The objective of the IFEC is to build prototype, low-cost
inverters to support fuel cell power systems. The vision is to promote and
encourage distributed generation technologies and to bring dramatic improvements
to low-cost utility interactive inverters for small distributed generation
applications suitable for weak grids and use in developing countries. Monash
University, along with 14 other teams are partaking in this vision..
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