ABSTRACT
Distributed energy resources (DER) such as distributed generators, energy storage, electric vehicles and controllable loads are changing the way the power system is developed and operated. Suitably controlled, they can play a multi-functional and flexible role in more effective management of the system. Combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration plants allow the simultaneous production of both electricity and heat. In a back-pressure steam turbine, a fuel that may be solid, liquid or gaseous is burned in a boiler, and the resulting high-pressure, high-temperature steam is then passed through a turbine. The pumped hydro system and compression air energy system (CAES) are the two main mechanical energy storage technologies currently employed. A number of mechanisms that promote shifting or controlling the load are also emerging. These are generally referred to as demand response (DR) programmes. Smart appliances such as washing machines and dish washers with 'start delay' function are commercially available.
