Impacts of nonutility induction generator to distribution network

Small-size nonutility generators, especially those based on renewable energy, are gaining more public interest and have been progressively connected to utility grids. In this paper we focus on the impacts on distribution system resulted from connected induction generators. In case of synchronous generator, it is able to inject both real and reactive powers into the system. However, for an induction generator, it can only inject real power into system whereas it needs to draw reactive power from the grid, resulting in lower power factor and consequently increasing power loss to the connected system. We employ load flow calculation to analyse and verify its impact to the system. The results based on an actual radial distribution system show that an induction generator connected to a distribution grid is likely to create more loss.