Enhancement of Network Capacity by Widespread Intelligent Generator Control

Electricity networks are called on to accommodate more and more generation capacity in order to supply the increasing demand. Social, planning and environmental reasons hinder the expansion of the existing infrastructure, whereas lack of investment prohibits its reinforcement. Therefore, the efficient utilisation of the existing network is not only suggested for economy, but also imposed by need. Consequently, the realisation of government targets for renewable energy will depend, in part, on the ability of developers and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to maximise generator capacities connected to the network whilst minimising negative impacts.

One means of ensuring maximum capacity with minimal voltage impact is through the use of intelligent power factor and voltage control of generators and other network components. Previously published work demonstrated the benefits in terms of the minimisation of voltage variations and violations as well as the ability of larger generators to connect to the network. While the capacity benefit could be easily quantified for individual dispersed generators, it was more difficult to explore the benefit of widespread usage.

To achieve this it was necessary to draw on earlier work that used Optimal Power Flow (OPF) techniques to evaluate the network capacity available for connecting dispersed generators. The capacity evaluation technique was extended such that it could incorporate the intelligent generator control algorithms and in doing so could find optimal levels of connections. The results of a case study indicate that intelligent power factor and voltage control of generators increases significantly the connecting capacity of existing networks.