Small scale energy zones and the impacts of high concentrations of small scale embedded generators

A recent study has indicated that installed micro-generation capacity in the UK could grow to as much as 8GW by 2015 [1]. Clearly, this significant growth will present a number of challenges and opportunities for the electricity industry. Current research in the New and Renewable Energy Group at Durham University seeks to address these issues. This paper describes this research and introduces the concept of an SSEZ (Small Scale Energy Zone) and presents a series of IPSA+ models to support this concept. An SSEZ is defined as a distribution network zone containing a significant number of controllable small scale generators, distributed energy storage units and loads. Algorithms will be developed to take an integrated approach to the control of each of these three elements in order to increase the value of SSEG's in terms of economic return, environmental benefit and contribution to network operation. The IPSA+ distribution network models feature high concentrations of SSEG's but are conventional type distribution networks, as opposed to the envisaged active distribution network of an SSEZ. These models are used to evaluate the impact on steady-state voltage rise of a range of SSEG penetrations. This paper describes the SSEZ concept, the IPSA+ models and the laboratory based SSEZ under development at Durham University.