Losses in a LV-microgrid with the presence of reactive power and CHP units

Microgrids are Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks comprising various Distributed Energy Resources (DER), namely Distributed Generations (DG), and storage devices together with controllable or flexible loads that can operate either interconnected or isolated from the main distribution grid as one controlled entity. The main purpose of this analysis is to investigate the active power losses resulting from the coordinated control of DER in Microgrid operation by their owners, in comparison with DER individual operation aiming at the supply of their in-house loads only. Absence of the distributed resources, and therefore the satisfaction of the full load from the upstream network, is considered as the base case. Moreover, each operating scenario is examined under the assumption of both absence and presence of reactive power demand and production. Non-unity power factors introduce a more realistic approach of power losses in a LV-network. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is carried out in order to determine how the increase or reduction of the installed DG affects power losses in all operating scenarios.