Kinectrics'
expert support for Distributed Generation benefits both distribution utilities
and facility owners. We offer comprehensive consulting, engineering study,
design, and testing services that help utilities accommodate high penetrations
of distributed generation efficiently.
Kinectrics
also has extensive experience assisting clients in getting distributed
generation projects on-line quickly and cost-effectively.
Services for Distribution Utilities
Kinectrics’ specialized,
in-depth knowledge and experience provides effective support to enable
utilities to successfully integrate DG into their existing
systems. Services include:
Specialized
Transient Studies (EMTP, PSCAD, RTDS)
·
Kinectrics is an industry
leader in both off-line and real-time transient analysis. Past
Kinectrics DG transient studies have focused on the following areas:
unintentional islanding of inverters, low voltage ride-through, fault
ride-through, and harmonic studies.
Laboratory
Testing
·
In addition to High Voltage
(HV) and High Current (HC) labs, Kinectrics has a new inverter testing
facility, capable of testing inverters to IEEE 1547.1 standards. Kinectrics can
also perform short-circuit, ride-through, and other specialized tests for
DG.
Interconnection
Standards Development
·
Utilities often struggle to
develop comprehensive interconnection requirements for Distributed
Generation—in part because no comprehensive industry standards
exist. Kinectrics can assist utilities in determining technical
requirements for DG that are capable of addressing the needs of distribution
systems both now, and in the future.
·
Many Kinectrics employees
are internationally-recognized industry experts who actively participate in
local and international standards development, including the IEEE 1547 family
of standards.
Generator
testing to the IEEE Standard 1547.1
IEEE 1547.1 2005
Standard for Conformance Tests Procedures
Connection
Impact Assessments (CIA)
Kinectrics performs CIAs
for several major utilities on an ongoing basis. We continually improve the
technical assessment process to include the latest research done by Kinectrics
and others involved in field testing and commissioning.
Kinectrics’ DG-related services include Connection
Impact Assessments (CIAs) to determine the impact of DG interconnection on:
§
Feeder
and supply voltage regulation
§
Feeder
and equipment loading
§
Fault
current contributions and fault levels
§
Power
quality, including: sags, swells, harmonics, and flicker
§
Surge
protective and regulating devices
§
Protection
coordination
§
The
potential for islanding
·
Interconnection Standards
development and/or
assessment to assist utilities in ensuring that their DG interconnection
standards accommodate DG projects without negative impacts to other
customers
·
Power Quality Analysis to determine the impact of DG
operations on feeder power quality, voltage regulation, and reliability
·
Capacity Limits assessment to determine the maximum
acceptable level of DG penetration for distribution feeders and stations
· Specialized Studies to examine various DG-related
issues, such as islanding, distribution system losses, the interaction between
different DG technologies, and the integration of DG with Smart Grid systems
· Laboratory Testing and product analysis to assess
the feasibility of new DG technologies
·
Design Review and assessment to facilitate the
interconnection of DG with utility-owned Distribution systems