Impact of high penetrations of micro-generation on low voltage distribution networks

Due to rising fossil fuel and electricity prices and the
overall need to reduce carbon emissions, there is a growing
interest in the utilisation of micro-generation amongst
electricity consumers and governments alike. Electricity
consumers are installing small scale generators on their
premises, which are also being connected to existing low
voltage (LV) electricity supply networks. High penetrations
of micro-generation may present challenges to the planning
and operation of LV electricity networks. This is due to LV
distribution networks being designed for delivery of
electricity from sub-stations to the consumers and not for
accommodating generation. The aim of the work presented
in this paper is to examine the effect of high penetrations of
micro-generation on the voltage levels of a section of
existing Irish LV distribution network.