Determining the impact of distributed generation on power systems. I. Radial distribution systems

Distributed generation (DG) has much potential to improve distribution system performance and it should be encouraged. However, distribution system designs and operating practices are normally based on radial power flows and this creates a special challenge to the successful introduction of distributed generation. This paper has described a few of the issues that must be considered to insure that DG will not degrade distribution system power quality, safety or reliability. This paper focused on radial systems, although some of the issues discussed are common to low voltage distribution networks.