Connection of distributed generation to enel´s network in the transition period from passive networks to smartgrids

Large amount of distributed generators are being connected to the grid and the number of planned new connections is growing day by day at all voltage levels. Distribution networks (mainly medium and low voltage levels) are traditionally designed to act as "passive" networks or, in other words, to deliver energy to final users. The evolution of this scenario implies studying new network architectures in order to facilitate the connection of the distributed generation (mainly from renewable sources) and to efficiently manage the new energy flows on distribution networks. At present time, smartgrids are not yet fully developed and a deployment of this vision seems to be far to be seen, but, in contrast, there is the need to connect new generators to the grid. In this paper, Enel Distribuzione state of the art on distributed generators connection is presented, underlining the issues on network planning and operation and how to face them while waiting for the ultimate smartgrid architecture.