Integration of distributed generation in the power distribution network: The need for smart grid control systems, communication and equipment for a smart city - Use cases

The exploitation of renewable energy resources poses great challenges regarding the manner in which they can be integrated into the modern electrical distribution infrastructure. To understand the difficulties of integration of Distributed Generation (DG) in electricity distribution network, the analyses and result of the effects on aspects of power quality are provided, as can be the problem of failure defects in networks and how DG grid connection affects voltage control at both medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) levels. Results demonstrated that there was a communication system between all generators protective systems, a selective protective system, a tracking of perturbations system to isolate failure defects, and a phase control system between the generators and the network. Also synchronizing voltage regulation is crucial for guaranteeing the quality of the power supply. Currently, recent and modern technologies allow different services to share a single communications infrastructure while guaranteeing the required levels of security, reliability, and efficiency. This paper aims to provide a Smart City (SC) project, implemented in the city of Malaga, Spain, where the integration of the applications of Smart Grid (SG) and the Use Cases (UCs) for the different functionalities of SG has been developed. The SC architecture proposed envisions a hierarchical, distributed, and autonomous structure to address the challenge of smart distribution grids. As a result of this project, new levels of standardization of languages and protocols and new interconnection functions will be required. These functions will allow smart devices to recognize each other so that they can reconnect in case of failure regardless of the state of the network topology. In conclusion, renewable energy sources (RES) can be optimally integrated into the distribution grid. Generation can approach consumption through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels and mini-wind generators, with the reuse of electrical infrastructure. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.