Impact of high penetration of single-phase distributed energy resources on the protection of LV distribution networks

In the future millions of homes in the UK may have the appropriate characteristics to facilitate the deployment of existing micro CHP technologies, and establish "personal power stations", using different types of distributed energy resources (DERs). The micro CHP technologies to be accommodated at houses are typically driven by single-phase generators at 230 V. However, the integration of a large number of such single-phase generators may lead to changes in the behaviour of the system in both normal and abnormal operation. This paper focuses on investigating the performance of an LV distribution network with high penetration of DERs under abnormal conditions. For this investigation the DERs are based on directly- connected single-phase generators and converter-connected generation. The contribution of these sources to network fault levels and their impact on overcurrent protection schemes are assessed in order to outline the protection requirements in future LV distribution networks with active power sources located at each home.