Current situation and prospects of distributed generation technologies

In the process of structural readjustment of energy, distributed generation technologies are being followed with great interest by people in circles of energy industry. In general, the state-owned large-capacity power stations and supply networks are able to meet the needs of consumers for electricity. Under the circumstances, the combination of distributed generating units and the central power stations will play an important role in ensuring the energy supply and promoting economic growth. This paper introduced in detail the concepts of distributed generation, distributed power and distributed energy resources. It was indicated that the distributed generation technology is referred to some small-scale power generating units located near costumers. State-of-the-art technologies such as microturbines and fuel cells are integrated in those small-scale power generating units to bring about combined heat and power generation. Where the drive and motive force of development of the technology from the economy and society lie was analyzed and illustrated. The technical features, fields of application, related techniques, operating characteristics, and prospects of distributed generation technologies were presented.