Effects of Distributed Generation on Power Losses in Unbalanced Low Voltage Networks

The significant growth of embedded generation in distribution systems is leading network operators to reconsider some of the prescriptions for losses minimization. Analyzing the operating conditions of small-scale generators connected to Low Voltage (LV) networks is becoming more and more important. Since LV customers are mostly single-phase connected, the time shifting between load and generation power profiles is likely to increase both voltage unbalance and power losses. Recently revised grid codes focus on the involvement of distributed generators in the network management, and this feature needs to be taken into account in the power losses evaluation. In this paper, some of the controls applicable to embedded generators are considered in a real case LV distribution system, and their effects on annual network losses, referring to real customers' power profiles, are investigated.