Control Issues in MV Distribution Systems with Large-scale Integration of Distributed Generation

The growing diffusion f Distributed Generation in the MVo networks is the result of several concurrent factors. Firstly, the deregulation of energy markets, with separation of generation, transmission, distribution and supply of energy. Secondly, the availability of new, cheaper and efficient small size generators based on new technologies. Thirdly, the ever growing difficulties in expanding T. & D. networks and large generation plants due to environmental concerns. Finally, but of significant relevance, there are many renewable resources that could be exploited with local plants only, being them object of environmental policies incentives. All these factors are changing the way energy is being generated and consumed and the traditionally passive distribution networks are starting to become active by the integration of distributed generation [1]. A systematic approach is thus required in order to adequate the control tools needed to operate safely and reliably the network; it might even be necessary to re-design the structure of the distribution networks, in order to install ever higher degrees of Distributed Generation. This implies a growing complexity of the actions to be taken on the existing systems, and, as a consequence, a necessity of adequate investments (as shown in