Assesment of renewable energy resources and the impact of DG on power quality in distribution network
Master Thesis
2015
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University of Cape Town
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For many years, power systems were vertically operated; large power generation plants produced all of the electrical power. This kind of generation is often related to adequate geographical placement such as water sources, coal sources etc. The power is then transmitted towards large consumption centres over long distances using different high-voltage transmission levels. This operating structure was built on the basis of economy, security, and quality of supply. This very centralized structure is operated by hierarchical control centres and allows the system to be monitored and controlled continuously. The generation is instantly adjusted to match consumption by monitoring the frequency, on the basis of very elaborate load forecasting models. The voltage is also controlled to be within specific limits by means of appropriate coordination of devices such as, generators, online taps changers, and reactive compensation devices. The power system operation is changing due to the restructuring and continuous growth in the demand however, due to major changes in the legislative framework for the power sector and the fast movement towards liberalization of the electricity markets, renewable energy sources were introduced to distribution systems. These units are of limited size (2MVA or less) and can be connected directly to the distribution network or on the customer side of the meter. Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions related to electricity generation, and to reduce fuel imports, have led to a significant increase in the deployment of renewable energy generation technology. Renewable energy sources (RES) are predicted to play a key role in the power distribution systems; they are the key to a sustainable energy supply infrastructure because of their inexhaustible and none polluting nature. However, the integration of renewable energy resources create special technical and economical challenges that have to be comprehensively investigated in order to facilitate the deployment of these renewable energy sources units in the distribution system. This dissertation investigates the renewable energy resources, types, advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy resources, the prospects of renewable energy resources in South Africa and Nigeria, challenges facing the integration of renewable energy resources into the distribution network.
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Includes bibliography.
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Akinyemi, A. 2015. Assesment of renewable energy resources and the impact of DG on power quality in distribution network. University of Cape Town.