Optimal Volt Var control in Smart Distribution Networks

Abstract

Both the generation and transmission power networks are facing new threats and opportunities as the number of distributed energy resources (DERs) grows. Because of the high solar PV penetration, voltage rise and voltage volatility are becoming major problems in the distribution network. Voltage regulating devices (VRDs), such as on load tap changers (OLTCs), phase voltage regulators (SVRs), and switched capacitor banks, have traditionally been used to regulate voltage throughout the distribution power system (DPS) (SCBs). IEEE 1547-2018, published in March 2018, mandates that inverter-fed distributed energy resources (DERs) contribute reactive power to maintain grid voltage. Our research uses the reactive power capabilities of PV smart inverters to resolve the voltage problems that the distribution grid faces as a result of solar PV penetration. The slope sensitive local droop has been design and validate using co-simulation of OPENDSS and MATLAB.