Embedded Generation

The use of combined heat and power (CHP) plants and renewable energy sources reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and helps to alleviate the consequent climate change. The policies of many governments suggest that the proportion of electrical energy produced by these sources will increase dramatically over the next two decades. Unlike traditional generating units, these new types of power plant are usually 'embedded' in the distribution system or 'dispersed' around the network. As a result, conventional design and operating practices are no longer applicable; for example, power protection principles have to be revised and complex economic questions need to be resolved.

This book, intended for both students and practising engineers, addresses all the issues pertinent to the implementation of embedded generation. Much of the material was originally developed for the UMIST MSc/CPD course in Electrical Power Engineering so there is a strong tutorial element. However, since this subject is evolving very rapidly, the authors also discuss the technical and commercial consequences of the very high penetration of embedded generation that are to be expected in the years ahead.

The authors work together at UMIST's world-renowned Electrical Energy and Power Systems Group. Their industrial experience, research and teaching activities span the whole topic of embedded generation. Before joining UMIST Nick Jenkins developed renewable energy schemes for Wind Energy Group and BP Solar. Peter Crossley worked for ALSTOM for 13 years on the design and application of protection relays. Daniel Kirschen is a specialist in power system analysis and operation. Ron Allan pioneered the application of probabilistic techniques to power system reliability. Finally Goran Strbac has undertaken important work on the economics of embedded generation.