Optimal Individual Phase Voltage Regulation Strategies in Active Distribution Networks with High PV Penetration Using the Sparrow Search Algorithm

Abstract

This study aimed to propose individual phase voltage regulation strategies using the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) in the IEEE 8500-node large-scale unbalanced distribution network with high photovoltaic (PV) penetration. The proposed approach is capable of individual phase regulation, which coordinates the on-load tap changer (OLTC), voltage regulator (VR), switched capacitor bank (SCB), and volt–var setting controlled by a smart inverter to improve voltage variation and unbalance. Consequently, the change time of VRs, the switched times of SCBs, and the individual phase voltage magnitude and unbalance ratio are considered in the fitness function for the SSA. The simulation scenarios fully consider the unbalanced load conditions and PV power output patterns, and the numerical results demonstrate that the voltage variation and unbalance are clearly improved, by 15% and 26%, respectively. The fitness values, operation times of OLTC, VR, and SCB, and the settings of the volt–var controlled smart inverter are also optimized by the SSA. The outcomes of this study are helpful for distribution system operators in formulating voltage control strategies corresponding to different system conditions.

Keywords

• voltage regulation
• distribution networks
• smart inverter
• on-load tap changer
• switched capacitor bank
• step voltage regulator