Including active voltage level management in planning of distribution networks with distributed generation

The existing distribution networks are designed based on the assumption of unidirectional power flows. The amount of distributed generation (DG) is, however, constantly increasing which creates a need to revise the current network operation and planning principles. This paper focuses on voltage level management issues related to DG. The effect of different kinds of voltage level management strategies on distribution network planning is discussed and a planning procedure regarding voltage issues when a new DG unit is interconnected to an existing distribution network is proposed.