Can a grid be smart without communications? A look at IVVC implementation

Abstract

This paper focuses on an integrated volt/VAr control (IVVC) system that is being installed at Georgia Power Company that does not require any communications to function. Substation load tap change (LTC) transformers and feeder regulators are coordinated with down-line regulators and switched capacitor banks to flatten the voltage profile of the circuits and allow each circuit to be operated at lower voltages. The initial system will be installed and operated with limited communications to devices inside the substation and no communications with the devices outside of the substation.

Volt/VAr Optimization of Distribution System with Integrated Distributed Generation

“…It is necessary to implement some optimization method for reducing the line losses, optimization using binary particle swarm optimization is proposed in [1][2]. Optimal reactive power dispatch using PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) was discussed in [3].…”

“…Some techniques consider the communication system layers and large number of sensing and monitoring devices, which are not part of system [9]. Some commercial solutions such as IVVC (Integrated Volt/VAr Control) are implemented in [3]. In some systems decisions are made on comparative cost of switching and line losses [7,4].…”