Multi‐mode adaptive local reactive power control method based on PV inverters in low voltage distribution networks

Abstract

Low voltage distribution networks with the high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) units are facing four types of challenges, including over‐voltage issues, under‐voltage issues, voltage fluctuation issues and high power losses. In order to mitigate the above issues, this study proposes a multi‐mode adaptive local reactive power control method based on Q(P) characteristics. A new concept, node virtual injection active power (NVIP), is developed to take the PV active power, load active power and load reactive power as a whole and as the basis to regulate the PV reactive power. Then, an NVIP‐based multi‐mode local Q(P) framework is proposed to consider the four types of challenges based on four operation modes, respectively, that can be adaptively switched according to the NVIP value and the NVIP variation. In addition, a systematic parameter design for the Q(P) framework is proposed based on an optimisation model to further enhance the effectiveness of the proposed multi‐mode control. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in mitigating voltage violations and voltage fluctuations, and improving the power losses and power factor.