Abstract:
The increase in the installed capacity of distributed generations (DGs) in Thailand can reduce dependence on conventional generations, which are the main ancillary service (AS) providers of the electrical system. When the ancillary services are decreased, the electrical system is more vulnerable and may confront various problems, e.g., blackouts, low power quality. Thus, the idea of encouraging DGs to become new ancillary service providers is proposed. This study focuses on the potential of DGs in Thailand to become reactive power providers and investigates the economic value of DGs in helping conventional generators with reactive power services, which also affect the amount of spinning reserve from the dispatched power plant. DIgSILENT and the methods of allocating reactive power cost are used in this study. The results show that DGs have the potential to provide reactive power and lead to economic values. In addition, the contribution in reactive power services also increases the amount of spinning reserve from conventional generators.