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Introduction to Distributed Generation Technologies and Impact Assessment

Dates & Locations

Overview

This is an introductory course for utility and consulting engineers to practice their peripheral knowledge of Distributed Generation Technologies and power distribution systems.  There is a need to improve understanding of the various DG technologies, differences in operational and control characteristics, and interaction with power distribution systems.  A brief overview is taught on modeling DG facilities, and caveats used in the conduction of load flow studies to assess grid impacts.  Examples are cited to highlight a need for more advanced studies at times.

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Course Outline

Advanced VAR Topics

  • Power flow fundamentals in AC systems
  • Sources of Reactive Power
  • Distinctions in operational planning

Power Generation Technologies

  • Traditional - thermal, hydro
  • Non-Traditional - wind, solar, fuel cells, mini-hydro, micro-turbine
  • Comparison of operating characteristics

Grid Interface Technologies

Synchronous Machines

  • Types: separately excited and PM
  • Control Modes - Governor & Excitation
  • Operating limits
  • Modeling parameters
  • Short-circuit contribution
  • Paralleling
  • Typical protections

Induction Machines

  • Torque-speed curve, excitation current requirements
  • Fixed and variable speed technologies
  • Grid interface configurations
  • Short circuit contribution
  • Control modes
  • Paralleling
  • Typical protections

Power Converter Interface

  • Types: Line or self-commutated
  • Voltage source, Current source
  • Voltage controlled, Current controlled
  • Control capabilities
  • Short circuit contribution
  • Protections for grid parallel operation

Comparison - Grid Interfaces

DG Integration Issues

  • System dynamics
  • System protections
  • Harmonics & transients
  • Impact of DG capacity and location

DG Integration Assessment

  • Types of issues addressable using load flow programs
  • Modeling needs
  • Basis of assessment
  • Caveats
  • Advanced assessment needs

Examples of DG Analysis Results

  • Impact on Voltage Regulation/PQ
  • Harmonic resonance
  • Risk of angular instability (synch mach)

Who Should Attend

The audience for this course includes:

  • Utility engineers
  • Engineering consultants​

Key Benefits

​Gain an understanding of:

  • DG technologies and operational characteristics
  • DG interface technologies in grid parallel applications
  • DG impact on distribution systems

Instructors

  • Nicolas Wrathall P.Eng, B.A. Sc, M.Eng


    Nicholas is an Engineer specializing in DG interconnection issues, CIAs, fault location, bulk power system reliability, substation animal control and asset management.​

Contact Training


Training Locations

  • Toronto

    800 Kipling Ave., Unit 2
    Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 5G5

    Map


    416-207-6000

    416-207-6532


  • Cincinnati

    7251 E. Kemper Road,
    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45249

    Map


    513-247-9039



Examples of DG Analysis Results

  • Impact on Voltage Regulation/PQ
  • Harmonic resonance
  • Risk of angular instability (synch mach)

DG Integration Assessment

  • Types of issues addressable using load flow programs
  • Modeling needs
  • Basis of assessment
  • Caveats
  • Advanced assessment needs

DG Integration Issues

  • System dynamics
  • System protections
  • Harmonics & transients
  • Impact of DG capacity and location

Comparison - Grid Interfaces

Power Converter Interface

  • Types: Line or self-commutated
  • Voltage source, Current source
  • Voltage controlled, Current controlled
  • Control capabilities
  • Short circuit contribution
  • Protections for grid parallel operation

Induction Machines

  • Torque-speed curve, excitation current requirements
  • Fixed and variable speed technologies
  • Grid interface configurations
  • Short circuit contribution
  • Control modes
  • Paralleling
  • Typical protections

Synchronous Machines

  • Types: separately excited and PM
  • Control Modes - Governor & Excitation
  • Operating limits
  • Modeling parameters
  • Short-circuit contribution
  • Paralleling
  • Typical protections

Grid Interface Technologies

Power Generation Technologies

  • Traditional - thermal, hydro
  • Non-Traditional - wind, solar, fuel cells, mini-hydro, micro-turbine
  • Comparison of operating characteristics

Advanced VAR Topics

  • Power flow fundamentals in AC systems
  • Sources of Reactive Power
  • Distinctions in operational planning