This paper investigates potential technical effects that a high take up of domestic micro-CHP could have on an electricity distribution system. This study is based on a combination of house-by-house energy use modelling and network power-flow analysis. A variety of micro-CHP technologies are represented, including Stirling engines, internal combustion engines, and fuel cells. These have different heat-to-power ratios and thus different impacts on the electricity system. The results and discussion focus on voltage rise, which is considered to be the primary constraint on allowable penetration.
BeddoesA.GosdenM.PoveyI.The performance of an LV network supplying a cluster of 500 houses each with an installed 1kWe domestic combined heat and power unit. In CIRED 19th International Conference on Electricity Distribution, Vienna2007, pp. 1–4.
7.
ThomsonM.InfieldD. G.Network power-flow analysis for a high penetration of distributed generation. IEEE Trans. Power Syst.2007221157–1162.
8.
ThomsonM.InfieldD. G.Impact of widespread photovoltaics generation on distribution systems. IET Renew. Power Gener.2007133–40.
9.
StokesM.Removing barriers to embedded generation: a fine-grained load model to support low voltage network performance analysis. PhD ThesisInstitute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), De Montfort UniversityLeicester2005.
10.
BezillaB.ImaiM.Honda - An introduction of MCHP unit for residential use. In National Micro-CHP Technology Pathways WorkshopGreenbelt, Maryland, US2003.
ER G83/1. Recommendations for the connection of small-scale embedded generators (up to 16 A per phase) in parallel with public low-voltage distribution networks. The Electricity AssociationMillbank, London2003.
DTI. Energy consumption in the United Kingdom. Table 3.7: Domestic energy consumption by end use and fuel, 1990 to 2005, July 2007, available from http://stats.berr.gov.uk/energystats/ecuk3_7.xls.
15.
WoodsP.DicksonJ.The contribution CHP can make to energy efficiency in buildings. In IMechE Seminar: Energy Efficiency in BuildingsBelgrave SquareLondon, 23 March 2004.
