Adaptive Voltage Control With Distributed Energy Resources: Algorithm, Theoretical Analysis, Simulation, and Field Test Verification

TLDR

Distributed energy resources with power‑electronics interfaces can supply reactive‑power ancillary services, and local voltage regulation has become critical for reliability and voltage stability following major cascading outages. The study seeks to develop a method for controlling distributed energy resources to regulate local voltage in distribution systems. An adaptive voltage‑control scheme is proposed that dynamically adjusts control parameters in response to system changes. Theoretical analysis, simulations, and field tests demonstrate that the adaptive method is mathematically sound, achieves fast response without oscillation or inefficiency, tolerates data shortages, and is broadly applicable to utility operations.

Abstract

Distributed energy resources (DE) or distributed generators (DG) with power electronics interfaces and logic control using local measurements are capable of providing reactive power related ancillary system services. In particular, local voltage regulation has drawn much attention in regards to power system reliability and voltage stability, especially from past major cascading outages. This paper addresses the challenges of controlling DEs to regulate local voltage in distribution systems. An adaptive voltage control method has been proposed to dynamically modify control parameters to respond to system changes. Theoretical analysis shows that there exists a corresponding formulation of the dynamic control parameters; hence the adaptive control method is theoretically solid. Both simulation and field experiment test results at the Distributed Energy Communications and Controls (DECC) Laboratory confirm that this method is capable of satisfying the fast response requirement for operational use without causing oscillation, inefficiency, or system equipment interference. Since this method has a high tolerance to real-time data shortage and is widely adaptive to variable power system operational situations, it is quite suitable for broad utility application.