Impact of high penetrations of micro-generation on low voltage distribution networks

Due to rising fossil fuel and electricity prices and the overall need to reduce carbon emissions, there is a growing interest in the utilisation of micro-generation amongst electricity consumers and governments alike. Electricity consumers are installing small scale generators on their premises, which are also being connected to existing low voltage (LV) electricity supply networks. High penetrations of micro-generation may present challenges to the planning and operation of LV electricity networks. This is due to LV distribution networks being designed for delivery of electricity from sub-stations to the consumers and not for accommodating generation. The aim of the work presented in this paper is to examine the effect of high penetrations of micro-generation on the voltage levels of a section of existing Irish LV distribution network.