Development of a coordinated voltage regulation scheme in distribution networks with multiple distributed generations

Abstract

As penetration level of Distributed Generations (DGs) on weak distribution networks gets higher, voltage rise problem can often occur due to reverse power which is not expected in conventional distribution networks. It, however, cannot be effectively solved by using conventional voltage regulating devices such as On-Load Tap Changers (OLTCs), Step Voltage Regulators (SVRs) because those do not consider the presence of DGs when determining relevant setting parameter for voltage regulation. This paper presents a scheme for voltage regulation using coordinated control between OLTC and DGs which can actively participate in the regulation. The scheme decides which device should be operated first based on the characteristics of regulating devices, in order to prevent unnecessary operation of output changes of DG and excessive tap changing operation of OLTC. Computer simulations considering daily irradiation of PV and load curve are performed by using MATLAB Simulink and performance comparison between the presented scheme and conventional ones is also made. It can be concluded from simulation results that the scheme presented is very effective to regulate voltages in distribution networks with multiple DGs. Copyright © The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers.