A Hierarchical Multi-Stage Coordination of Inverters for Voltage Control in Active Distribution Networks with a µPMU-PDC

Abstract

This paper proposes a hierarchical multi-stage approach based on a distributed level phasor measurement unit (µPMU) at local controllers and a phasor data concentrator (PDC) at the central control unit to restore system voltage when it exceeds the limits recommended by the IEEE 1547-2018 standard. The proposed algorithm does not need an accurate system model or employ optimization solutions. Therefore, it has less implementation complexity and would be popular among distribution network service providers (DNSPs) and distribution network operators (DNOs) as it does not suffer from cost and computational complexity limitations. A PMU-PDC-based communication platform has been developed as a more efficient alternative to the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, and provides superior characteristics, including a higher sample rate, higher data resolutions, and faster communication. The proposed coordinated algorithm aims to postpone power generation curtailment in distributed energy resources (DERs) with overvoltage problems (local DERs) by incorporating all the DERs that are not subjected to voltage violation (remote DERs) by absorbing their maximum reactive power capacity. If the system voltage has not recovered after absorbing all of the reactive power capacity of all the DERs, a reduced active power curtailment proposed by the algorithm is then applied to the system to control the voltage. The proposed strategy has been simulated in MATLAB and applied to IEEE 13-bus and IEEE 33-bus radial distribution benchmark systems to validate the performance of the system, in terms of its ability to coordinate voltage control and the accuracy of the PMU-PDC-based communication interface.

DER Control and Management Strategies for Distribution Networks: A Review of Current Practices and Future Directions

“…The salient point is that the inverters reach their own consensus on what extra voltage control effort is required. A similar approach is utilised in [18,95].…”

“…A comprehensive review of DER control as a tool for active network management for distribution network operators has not been provided among these works. While other research has focused on novel proposals for DER control structures that improve particular performance measures [18], a comprehensive review of DNSP control and management strategies of DERs by DNSPs has not been provided. The space for DER control solutions in the marketplace is wide and encompasses behind-the-meter electronics through to enterprise-scale software platforms and all the enabling technologies related to automation, data acquisition, and communication.…”

Load Margin Assessment of Power Systems Using Physics-Informed Neural Network with Optimized Parameters

“…Technological advances over the years have allowed the development of Synchronized Phasor Measurement Systems that provide voltage and current magnitude and phase measurements in real time with time synchronization and high sampling rates acquired by Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) installed on system buses [5]. Data from PMUs have led to the development of different and promising tools for monitoring [6][7][8][9], protecting [10][11][12] and controlling [13][14][15][16][17][18] power systems.…”

Recent Advances in Power Quality Analysis and Robust Control of Renewable Energy Sources in Power Grids

“…A hierarchical multi-stage approach to restore system voltage when it exceeds the limits recommended by the IEEE 1547-2018 standard is proposed in [7]. This approach is based on a distributed level phasor measurement unit at local controllers and a phasor data concentrator at the central control unit.…”