Optimal On-Load Tap Changer Tap Control Method for Voltage Compliance Rate Improvement in Distribution Systems, Based on Field Measurement Data

Hanmin Lim, Jongmin Jo and Kwan-Ho Chun ()
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Hanmin Lim: Power Distribution Laboratory, KEPCO Research Institute, Daejeon 34056, Republic of Korea
Jongmin Jo: Power Distribution Laboratory, KEPCO Research Institute, Daejeon 34056, Republic of Korea
Kwan-Ho Chun: Department of Electrical Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: This paper proposes an optimal control method for the on-load tap changer (OLTC) of a substation’s main transformer (M.TR), to maximize the voltage compliance rate (VCR) in distribution system feeders. The conventional auto voltage regulator (AVR)’s line-drop compensation (LDC) control method struggles with accurately determining load centers and has limitations in managing voltage due to the variability of distributed energy resources (DERs). To address these challenges, this study defines sample number-based VCR (SNB-VCR) as the performance index function to be maximized. The optimal tap positions for the OLTC are obtained using the gradient ascent method. Since the SNB-VCR evaluates voltage compliance using 15 min interval data collected from all the load and DER connection points in the distribution system, the tap position obtained by the gradient ascent method maximizes voltage quality for every feeder included in the system. Using a simulation, it is verified that the proposed tap control method improves the overall voltage quality and reduces the occurrence of overvoltage or undervoltage compared to LDC control. The proposed control strategy offers a practical solution for enhancing voltage management efficiency in modern distribution systems, particularly those with high penetration of DERs.

Keywords: distribution system; OLTC tap control; voltage compliance rate; smart meter (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: 2025
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