A novel architecture for power networks with distributed generation - concept outline

Providing a secure power network is already a complex task but as network complexity grows with each new distributed generation connection so the problem of assurance for the next source connection becomes more and more protracted. A fundamental change to the network architecture may be necessary and an architecture based on cells containing both generation and loads has been proposed by some researchers. This paper proposes a novel power cell interface, replacing the conventional power transformer with an “active transformer” in order to provide a controllable, flexible and robust connection that will facilitate greater network management and business opportunities and new power flow control features

Case-based reasoning for coordinated voltage control on distribution networks

A significant amount of distributed generation (DG) is being connected to electricity distribution networks. This brings with it a number of network planning and operational challenges, including voltage control, protection issues, altered transient stability, bi-directional power flow and increased fault levels. Controlling network voltages, while also providing access for the increasing numbers of DG installations is one of the most important challenges. This paper describes a novel approach to voltage control for networks with multiple connected distributed generators, which employs case-based reasoning and online verification to select an appropriate set of control actions in the face of voltage excursions. The approach, case studies which illustrate its feasibility when applied to different networks and details of a prototype implementation using a commercially available substation computing platform are presented