::: London Power Associates ::: :: Power and Transportation Consultants ::

Renewable energy is likely to play a major role in meeting global energy needs over the next few years. In the UK, for example, the government has a target of generating 10% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010. Other countries (such as the Netherlands) have even more ambitious targets and consequently there is considerable focus by technology providers on developing the various renewable technologies to meet these challenges.

The challenges associated with the connection of renewable energy systems into an existing power network are not insignificant, due to the wide-ranging characteristics of renewable energy devices such as wind turbines, solar panels, small-scale hydro generators etc. Consequently detailed analysis of both steady-state and dynamic performance of the resulting power system configuration is necessary if effective integration is to be achieved.

London Power Associates staff have considerable experience in generation integration schemes for all types of power systems ranging from small-scale embedded generation schemes within local distribution networks, up to the direct connection of large-scale generation within high-voltage transmission networks.

Examples of the specific services that LPA can offer in relation to renewable energy systems are:

	Concept design, economic evaluation and functional specification of renewable energy schemes to meet overall generation planning requirements.
	Evaluation of alternative electrical generation technologies to maximise the benefits of renewable energy conversion (e.g. use of high-speed or variable frequency generators to maximise energy capture on wind-turbine systems).

	Identification of suitable generation connection points on existing power systems to minimise the requirement for system reinforcement.
	Assessment of the impact of renewable generation on existing power supply reliability.
	Identification of power quality issues arising from the connection of renewable generation (harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuations etc.).
	Selection of appropriate energy storage technology or backup generation schemes for the effective operation of renewable generation within isolated power networks.
	Review of existing power system protection schemes to assess the impact of renewable generation operation under fault conditions.
In carrying out the above LPA will work closely with renewable energy specialists, equipment manufacturers and operations staff to provide the Client with an overall integrated approach to project definition and implementation.