DERs Integration under the Influence of Existing Voltage Regulators in Distribution Networks

What is it about?

Voltage Regulation (VR) and energy loss minimization have always been major concerns for distribution network operators thereby, many conventional VR-schemes are dedicated in existing distribution networks. Ignoring such schemes while integrating DERs in legacy distribution systems may produce counterproductive results. In this paper, optimal integration of different DERs is investigated in coordination with existing VR-scheme i.e. on-load tap-changer. To show the superiority of proposed DER integration model, optimal allocation of different DERs are determined with and without considering the coordinated effect of existing VR-schemes for annual energy loss minimization under different scenarios. In order to solve this complex optimization problem, improved genetic algorithm (GA) is adopted. A dynamic node priority list is suggested to further improve the performance of GA. To validate the proposed strategy and dynamic load priority list, the DER integration problem is solved for benchmark 33-bus and real life 108-bus Indian radial distribution systems. The simulation results are found to be inspiring when compared with the existing optimization techniques and DER integration models without considering VR-schemes.

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Why is it important?

The growing penetration of multiple and multi-type DGs has raised many coordination issues in day-to-day operations. Therefore, it may be suggested that the planning of DERs should be achieved considering the traditional context of legacy distribution systems. The efforts have been in this paper to accommodate DERs by considering the coordinated effects of existing OLTC based voltage regulations in distribution systems.