Optimal utilisation of small-scale embedded generators in a developing country — A case study in Malaysia

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are likely to become a dominant type of small-scale embedded generator (SSEG) on public low voltage (LV) distribution network in Malaysia due to the enormous amount of initiatives and efforts taken by the government to promote the use of BIPV. The growth of BIPV systems on LV distribution networks has the potential to alter the direction of power flow across the distribution networks, hence imposing several serious technical issues relating to power quality, distribution system efficiency and possible equipment overloading. Therefore, the utility companies need to study the following technical issues: (i) voltage regulation, (ii) voltage rise, (iii) voltage unbalance, (iv) network power losses, and (v) cable and transformer thermal limits. This paper describes research carried out to investigate and quantify the impacts of BIPV on LV networks with particular reference to developing countries striving to increase the utilisation of renewable energy. This paper presents and discusses the impacts of BIPV systems on two types of LV distribution network: a commercial LV distribution network and a residential LV distribution network in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The results of these studies are compared with those from European networks to identify how the differences in the electrical network characteristics influence the allowable penetration of small-scale embedded generators.

[1]  Liana Mirela Cipcigan,et al.  Investigation of the reverse power flow requirements of high penetrations of small-scale embedded generation , 2007 .

[2]  Giuseppe Marco Tina,et al.  Small-scale embedded generation effect on voltage profile: an analytical method , 2003 .

[3]  H Markiewicz,et al.  Voltage Disturbances Standard EN 50160 - Voltage Characteristics in Public Distribution Systems , 2008 .

[4]  Phil Taylor,et al.  Predicting the technical impacts of high levels of small-scale embedded generators on low-voltage networks , 2008 .

[5]  N. Hadjsaid,et al.  Dispersed generation impact on distribution networks , 1999 .

[6]  J.A.P. Lopes.  Integration of dispersed generation on distribution networks-impact studies , 2002, 2002 IEEE Power Engineering Society Winter Meeting. Conference Proceedings (Cat. No.02CH37309).

[7]  T. I. Maris,et al.  Modeling of a single-phase photovoltaic inverter , 2007 .

[8]  L. Y. Seng,et al.  Economical, environmental and technical analysis of building integrated photovoltaic systems in Malaysia , 2008 .

[9]  Keat Teong Lee,et al.  Energy for sustainable development in Malaysia: Energy policy and alternative energy , 2006 .

[10]  B. Banerjee,et al.  Assessment of Voltage Unbalance , 2001, IEEE Power Engineering Review.

[11]  P.P. Barker,et al.  Determining the impact of distributed generation on power systems. I. Radial distribution systems , 2000, 2000 Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting (Cat. No.00CH37134).

[12]  P. Trichakis,et al.  The Impact of Small Scale Wind Generators on LV Distribution System Voltage , 2007, 2007 International Conference on Clean Electrical Power.

[13]  M. Thomson,et al.  Network Power-Flow Analysis for a High Penetration of Distributed Generation , 2006, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems.

[14]  Liana Mirela Cipcigan,et al.  AC and DC aggregation effects of small-scale wind generators , 2007 .

[15]  T. Tran-Quoc,et al.  Technical impacts of small distributed generation units on LV networks , 2003, 2003 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting (IEEE Cat. No.03CH37491).

[16]  Teuku Meurah Indra Mahlia,et al.  Emissions from electricity generation in Malaysia , 2002 .