Towards a smart network in a business district: Combining dispersed UPS with distributed generation

In recent years the issue of continuity of supply in electrical power distribution has gained attention for various reasons. Some consumers (e.g. data centers, banks and insurance or telecommunication companies) require constant availability of electrical energy. In such cases the necessary investments in UPS systems are made by the customer. Usually these systems are combined with diesel generators to overcome longer interruptions (blackouts). The paper introduces an alternative in form of connections to a separate network (secondary network). Cost and supply reliability considerations are addressed. Possible development stages from a simple separated MV-network towards a “smart grid” are discussed.