 |
May 21, 2018, 02:08:11 AM |
|
The power sector is facing a paradigm change, moving from a centralized structure with big power
plants (hydro, coal, gas and nuclear) to a decentralized scenario of distributed energy resources
(DER), such as solar and wind. Within this framework, a new actor is emerging, the prosumer, i.e.
households or organizations which at times produce surplus energy and feed it into a distribution
network; whilst at other times (when their energy requirements outstrip their own production)
they consume energy from that grid. The transition to a prosumer driven electrical grid can be
quite bumpy [1]. The lack of centralized planning and the increase of intermittent electricity production
in the lower levels of the grid due to the penetration of solar generation raise the stress
on the electrical distribution grid. This can lead to severe power quality problems, especially voltage
violations and line congestions, with which the distribution system operators (DSOs) need to
cope. These problems are intensified by the increase of electricity consumption due to electrical
heat pumps and electric vehicles, which further increase power oscillations within the distribution
grid.
|
