Edge-of-Grid Voltage Control: Device Modeling, Strategic Placement, and Application Considerations

This paper proposes and compares two effective approaches to deploy low-voltage advanced voltage control devices connected at edge-of-grid to improve voltage regulation. The goal is to determine effective locations for deploying these devices to eliminate undervoltage violations during heavy loading conditions. Two commercially available devices, namely universal power flow controller and static var compensator, are studied in this paper. Practical limitations of installation space and device ratings are considered in determining the locations. The device specifications, characteristics, and modeling are also discussed in detail. The efficacy of the proposed methods is validated by simulations on a distribution circuit model of a utility with actual load profile information. Additional analysis provided on the device deployment offers insights into device placement under different application considerations. The results showed that the proposed methods are effective in mitigating undervoltage violations, reducing voltage unbalance and improving voltage regulation overall.