A review of active distribution networks enabling technologies

High levels of distributed generation have been installed in power systems and even a greater amount is expected to be deployed in the near future, with a large percentage likely to come from renewable energy sources. As such, Distribution System Operators (DNOs) will need to change their old “business as usual” passive approach, to one that adopts integration of control and communication technologies, together with emerging distribution network technologies, as a means of accommodating new generation in an optimal and economical manner. This paper presents a review of some of the impacts associated with the integration of distributed generation, together with some active distribution networks enabling technologies, intended to deal with the aforementioned problems. In particular, the present review focuses on technologies that are in advanced stages of Research and Development, or are even at the trial stage or are commercially available. However, further analyses are required in order to develop cheaper and more secure means to the increasing Distributed Generation connections.