Algorithm for decentralized Volt/VAr control in distribution networks

Power utilities currently face challenges to provide energy considering minimum requirements for power quality and reliability. Control and monitoring of aging assets to meet a growing demand are reasons for such difficulties. Voltage control and reactive power management (Volt/VAr) are automation techniques that can be effectively used in distribution systems. These practices lead to benefits such as improvement in reliability and efficiency, minimization of operation and maintenance costs, among others. In the present study a methodology of decentralized Volt/VAr control (VVC) was developed through an optimization problem in which Genetic Algorithms (GA) are used to find an optimum solution, through the coordination and control of on load tap changers (OLTCs) in power transformers, capacitors banks and voltage regulators placed along the feeders. The proposed algorithms are implemented on a 22 bus power distribution test system.