A Multi-Stage Coordinated Volt-Var Optimization for Integrated and Unbalanced Radial Distribution Networks

Xiangjing Su, Jining Liu, Shuxin Tian, Ping Ling, Yang Fu, Shurong Wei and Chao SiMa
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Xiangjing Su: School of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Jining Liu: School of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Shuxin Tian: School of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Ping Ling: Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, Shanghai 200437, China
Yang Fu: School of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Shurong Wei: School of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Chao SiMa: School of Electrical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 18, 1-19

Abstract: The growing penetrations of rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) into low-voltage (LV) distribution networks are challenging voltage regulation. Developing an effective volt-var (VV) control has been the focus of many researchers with various approaches proposed so far. However, assuming a single voltage level and balanced network model, widely adopted in existing literatures, tends to cause inaccurate and even infeasible control solutions. Besides, existing distribution VV control studies are usually based on the day-ahead predictions of PV generations and loads, introducing inevitable and non-negligible errors. To address the challenges above, this paper proposes a VV co-optimization across unbalanced medium-voltage (MV) and LV networks, by traditional and emerging techniques, to ensure the network operation with the required power quality. Specifically, the operation of MV delta-connected switched capacitors and LV distributed PV inverters is coordinated, under a three-stage strategy that suits integrated and unbalanced radial distribution networks. The proposal aims to simultaneously improve voltage magnitude and balance profiles while reducing network power loss, at the least controlling cost. To effectively solve the proposed VV optimization problem, a joint solver of the modified particle swarm optimization and the improved direct load flow is employed. Finally, the proposal is evaluated by simulations on real Australian distribution networks over 24 h.

Keywords: coordinated optimization; integrated distribution networks; volt-var control; unbalance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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