Local and remote control of automatic voltage regulators in distribution networks with different variations and uncertainties: Practical cases study

Over time, increased loading density, feeder length and line losses lead to inappropriate voltage drop. Also, load demand variations which originate from daily and seasonal fluctuations present further impacts. Power Distribution Voltage Regulators (PDVRs) keep the voltages in the electrical distribution network under a certain range. Voltage regulation ensures that electrical devices perform efficiently. This paper presents an approach for adequate representation of PDVR in medium voltage (MV) distribution networks. Both local and remote-control modes of PDVR operation are provided. In local control, the PDVR automatically controls its tapping steps to regulate the voltage at the installed PDVR node whereas the remote-control mode makes use of reliable communications due to smart grid capability to regulate the voltage at other specified nodes. Added to that, different load models are conducted for suitable representation of residential, commercial and industrial types which are formulated as constant impedance, constant-power and constant-current models. Moreover, the hourly variations in the loading are considered and their impacts are analyzed on both control modes. As well, the uncertainties in loading values and types are investigated. The validity of the proposed NRIM is effectively demonstrated on two real power distribution networks from Egypt and from the metropolitan area of Caracas. The numerical results declare that the application of PDVR through the local and remote-control modes significantly improves the performance of the studied systems. The active and reactive power losses are greatly decreased, and the voltage profile is considerably enhanced for all distribution nodes.

Automated summary

This paper presents an approach for adequate representation of Power Distribution Voltage Regulators (PDVRs) in medium voltage distribution networks and provides both local and remote-control modes of operation. Different load models and their impacts on control modes are analyzed, and the proposed method is validated on real power distribution networks in Egypt and Caracas. The results demonstrate that the application of PDVR significantly improves the performance of the systems.