In emerging countries, energy systems are often dominated by large and highly centralized power plants. Electricity travels relatively long distances to reach the point of consumption, so power quality issues arise, including high power losses and also voltage drops. As a result, reactive power compensation is required and therefore higher operating costs are incurred.
Decentralized renewable energy sources offer an optimal solution for rural electrification in these regions, as the electricity is generated at the point of consumption, avoiding power quality problems and additional operating costs.
However, due to the centralized structure of the old grid infrastructure, the absorption capacity for decentralized renewable energy is limited by power quality issues and overloading of power supply equipment.
TRACTEBEL has identified several flexibility options that can improve the absorption capacity for decentralized renewables. In a simulation study now published in the International Journal of Smart Grid , the Tractebel team has shown that the use of on-load tap-changers and intelligent control can increase the uptake capacity for distributed renewables by a factor of up to 1.92.
Further information can be viewed and downloaded as a PDF:
> 21st Wind & Solar Integration Workshop: "Impact of smart grid technologies on the distribution network in Uganda: A case study" Note: "This paper (presentation file) was presented at the 21st Wind & Solar Integration Workshop and published in the proceedings of the workshop".