The ability of a Dutch LV network to incorporate high penetration level of μ-CHPs considering network topology and units control strategy

Micro-cogeneration units are expected to penetrate the domestic boiler market soon especially in countries with extensive gas network. A high penetration level can lead to problems in passive designed LV networks. The voltage rise across the distribution lines, due to the reverse power flow, seems to be the main limiting factor on the amount of μ-CHPs connected to the LV grid. Meshed networks are believed to incorporate higher level of distributed generators compared to radial networks. However, the possibility of μ-CHPs to operate under different control strategies will also enhance their penetration level and facilitate their integration in a Virtual Power Plant concept. This is shown by steady state simulations performed in a Dutch LV network. The scope of this paper is to illustrate how the network topology and the control strategy of μ-CHPs affect their maximum penetration level and how they can be integrated in a Virtual Power Plant.