Mapping the Electrical Influence of Distributed Generation on Radial Distribution Networks Using Geographic Information Systems

Current restructuring of the electric utility industry has aroused vast interest in emerging distributed generation (DG) technologies. Some of the most obvious benefits of DG include, but are not limited to the following [1]: a) Emergency backup during sustained utility outages, b) Value of energy savings through peak shaving, and other ratereducing means, c) Reduced voltage sags, c) Increased reliability, d) Potential utility capacity addition deferrals. But in addition to providing many benefits to the electrical power infrastructure, the incorporation of DG affects traditional over-current protection schemes by introducing reverse power flows (Figure 1).