Distributed Energy Systems

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Distributed Energy Systems

• Grant Raymond
• ECE 510
• Sustainable Energy Systems
• Portland State University
• Spring 2007

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Definition

• Electrical power generated by small plants close
  to consumers

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Technologies and Applications
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Technologies

• Wind
• Photovoltaics
• Hydropower
• Reciprocating engine
• Combustion turbines and microturbines
• Fuel cell
• Steam turbine

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Wind

• No emissions
• No fuel
• Intermittent
• Siting restrictions

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Photovoltaics

• No emissions
• No fuel
• Intermittent
• Highest cost per kW

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Hydropower

• No emissions
• No fuel
• Always on
• Siting restrictions

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Reciprocating Engine

• Can burn wide variety of fuels
• Relatively inexpensive per kW
• Can have high emissions and noise

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Microturbines

• Low emissions
• Can burn many fuels

• Developing technology

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Fuel Cell

• Emission free
• Use hydrogen
• High cost

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Steam Turbine

• Boiler can use any heat source
• Relatively inexpensive per MW
• Hard to scale down

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Types of DE Systems

• Isolated microgrids
• Grid-connected personal generation
• Distributed utilities

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Isolated Systems

• In a galaxy far, far away
• High cost to connect to grid
• High flexibility in choice of technology

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Grid-Connected Systems

• More reliability
• Required by code
• Lower electricity bill
• Improve environment

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Backup Generation

• Grid is primary source of power
• Commonly reciprocating engine

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Replacing the Grid

• Peak shaving
• Net metering
• Typically renewables

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Distributed Grids

• Utility-operated plants at distribution level

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Combined Heat and Power
CHP or Cogeneration

• Use waste heat productively
• Increased fuel efficiency

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Comparison of Selected Electricity Generation
Technologies
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Levelized Cost of Selected TechnologiesSuitable
for Distributed Generation
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Disadvantages

• Maintenance
• Grid disruption
• Cost

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Advantages

• Easier local control
• Better power quality
• Lower transmission losses
• Better reliability
• Use of waste heat

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Questions?