Distributed Generation
We studied the load and generation of a small number of wind farm, landfill generation, hydro-generation and co-generation customers within the Northern Powergrid region to create a new set of up-to-date profiles and better understand the contribution distributed generation makes to overall system security.
What we wanted to find out
Installed capacities of distributed generation, that is generation embedded in distribution networks, is projected to increase substantially. This is largely due to incentives to encourage the uptake of low carbon technologies at all voltage levels of the power system; from domestic properties to higher distribution voltages. We wanted to create a new set of load profiles for all the different types of new electricity generation that currently exist and share this information with the industry.
What we learned
Through our trials we have been able to create a new set of up-to-date profiles and better understand the contribution distributed generation makes to overall system security. Specifically we have;
- Discovered that wind farms contribute less to system security than was previously thought
- Produced data that can be used to review the current methodology for assessing the contribution of distributed generation to network security
For a summary of findings from our trials with industrial and commercial customers, please visit our conclusions page. Some of the key learning documents from our trials are listed below; further datasets, analysis and project outputs can be found by searching the project library
