Distribution System Training

The objective of this module is to examine reasons why generating plant is increasingly being connected to the distribution system. Different types of customer owned co-generation plants, and independent power producers are presented and attention is drawn to problems of dispatching and control of this distributed generation. On completion of this video and associated workbook, the participant should be able to understand the following concepts and apply them in day-to-day work practice.

• Distributed generation (also known as dispersed generation) may be owned by different entities such as:

1. Customers? self-generation plants
2. Independent power producers
3. The distribution company itself

• Modes of self generation:

1. Stand-by power
2. In-house generation to meet in-house demand
3. Excess generation for sale back to the distribution company

• The price factor, i.e. self-generation versus purchased power
• The economy of co-generation plants
• Justification for the utility’s stand-by charge
• The purpose of the IPP
• Advantages to the distribution company of self-owned generating plant connected to the distribution system
• Features of different types of generation, i.e. small hydro generators, reciprocating engines, gas turbines, steam turbines, combined cycle
• Features of new evolving generation technologies
• Limitations of generation from new technologies
• Limitations of generation from co-gen sources
• Co-ordination between system protection and distributed generator protection