Distributed Generation in Power Systems: An Overview and Key Issues

The necessity for smart electrical systems having minimum technical loss and environmental impact is providing impetus to go for Distributed Generations (DGs) which may offer several other advantages such as reduced transmission and distribution system resources, increased reliability, better power quality, etc. However, depending on the system configuration and management, these advantages may not be true. Moreover, due to structural and managerial changes in the electricity supply industry motivated with introduction of completion, the role of small generations distributed in the low/medium voltage network has gained importance. This paper adopts a systematic approach by focusing on the most important research areas related to the distributed generations. Various DG technologies are described and penetration of DGs in the Indian system has been discussed. This paper also highlights the key issues in the DG integration in power systems.