Controller for optimizing voltage profile of distribution networks with distributed generation
Abstract
The distribution networks to which distributed generators (DG) are connected
were not designed for direct connection of generators. DG cause changes to
stability, voltage profile and protection systems. Because distribution networks
were not designed to accommodate generators, constraints are placed on DG
utilization. One such limitation is the level at which DGs supply power to the
network. Supply of real power causes voltage to rise around the power source.
If the real power supplied is too high, voltage level may rise beyond acceptable
limits.
This paper presents a coordinated network controller whose objective is to
maintain an optimal voltage profile across radial and meshed distribution
networks with distributed generation. Voltage profile is said to be optimal if
the voltages at every bus have the minimum possible deviation from the ideal
voltage of unity per unit. This is achieved by varying the output of the
distributed generators. The controller is modeled as an optimization problem
which is solved using Particle Swarm Optimization.
Publisher
University of Nairobi