Increasing penetration of Distributed Generation with meshed operation of distribution systems

Electric distribution systems are traditionally operated in a radial manner. In order to accommodate the increasing penetration levels of Distributed Generation (DG), meshed operation of distribution systems is investigated in this paper. Different limiting factors for increasing penetration levels of DGs are discussed; then, a methodology that determines maximum DG penetration level based on bus voltage and line current constraints is described. Alternative meshed operation of distribution systems, viewed as a more long-term systematic solution to increase maximum allowable DG penetration, can then be evaluated using the described metrics. Results for a 69 bus test case are presented for the radial system as well as for select meshed configurations. The obtained results verify the ability of meshed networks to accommodate proliferation of DGs.