| Electrical distribution systems have been traditionally planned and operated in a radial manner, allowing uni-directional flow of power from substation to customers. In recent years, environmental and societal concerns have prompted an increased use of renewable Distributed Generation (DG) connected to the distribution system. The proliferation of DG impacts both system operation and planning. Robust long term solutions are then needed to overcome the physical limitations of the distribution system radial configuration for higher DG penetration levels.;This thesis evaluates meshed configuration as a possible solution to allow for higher penetration levels of DG. Steady-state bus voltages and line currents are selected as main limiting factors to increased DG penetration levels. Then, a method is presented to determine maximum allowable DG power injection at different buses in the system considering these limiting factors. The presented method can be used in both planning and operation scenarios, since it is fast and has low computational burden. Using this method, radial and meshed configurations of a distribution system are evaluated with respect to their ability to withstand higher DG penetration levels. The results of the study verify the superior behavior of select meshed configurations to accommodate proliferation of DG. |
