Citation :

Tolulope David Makanju, Ali N Hasan, Thokozani Shongwe, "Coordination and control of PV Energy and Voltage Regulating Devices in an Active Distribution Network under Uncertainty," International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 64-77, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488379/IJEEE-V13I6P105

Abstract

The introduction of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into distribution networks leads to dynamics in power system operations, such as bidirectional flow of current in power system networks caused by the uncertainty of loading and PV power output. This has caused a lot of challenges, such as power flow imbalance, voltage fluctuation, and operation control of voltage regulation devices. The conventional voltage regulating techniques are unsuitable for adapting to the bidirectional power flow introduced by DERs. To address the aforementioned problem, this study presents an optimization-based approach that minimizes generation cost while enhancing voltage in active distribution networks with High Photovoltaic (PV) system penetration. A reactive power control strategy is embedded in the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) to dynamically regulate the reactive power within Grid-Connected Inverters (GCI) to avoid excessive import and exporting of reactive power. The approach also determines the optimal set points of On-Load Tap Changers (OLTC) and Distribution Static Synchronous Compensators (DSTATCOM) to ensure effective voltage control and reduction of active power losses. Simulation analysis of the proposed approach was tested on modified IEEE bus 69 networks with high penetration of PV energy. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the techniques in minimizing the cost of power generation, optimizing the reactive power of the GCI, determining the set points of OLTC and DSTATCOM, while ensuring an effective voltage profile for all the buses in the networks under the uncertainty of loading and PV power output. The techniques support grid operation with high penetration of DERs by leveraging inverter-based distributed energy resources and conventional voltage regulation devices to achieve technical and economic efficiency. It provides a scalable solution for distribution system operators managing networks with increasing renewable energy integration.

Keywords

Coordination control, Distributed energy resources, PV energy, Voltage regulating devices, Uncertainty.

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