Impact of distributed generation upon Reghin ´ Lăpuşna Medium Voltage line

The transition between the power market competition and these emerging renewable power system alternatives (wind turbines, solar plants, micro-turbine), has awaken a great deal of interest for distributed power generation. Distributed Generation comprise in low power generators (typically lower than 50 MW), installed within the area of the main power consumption to ensure the growth of the existent distribution network and to satisfy the consumer´s needs. In this paper an overview of Distributed Generation concept will be presented, examining the benefits and drawbacks of this system imposes, with the particular case study of the impact on a medium voltage (MV) line. The particular case study aims: a) voltage level; b) power flow and power losses evolution; and c) short-circuit currents on the Reghin - Lapusna MV line. The Reghin - Lapusna is an overhead MV line, with an approximate length of 42 km, which has connected three small hydro power plants: Isticeu, Secus and Fâncel. These small hydro power plants have a total installed capacity of 3.62 MW.