Optimal Settings for Multiple Groups of Smart Inverters on Secondary Systems Using Autonomous Control

To support distribution planning and operations engineers, this paper describes an optimal methodology for specifying smart inverter settings that will improve photovoltaic (PV) integration into distribution systems. The dynamic nature of the distribution system requires that a range of load and solar conditions be considered for this purpose. Time-series analysis was performed using Open-source Distribution System Simulator modeling environment to determine the overall impact on the distribution feeder. For the feeder investigated, the use of smart inverters was evaluated for mitigating potential voltage-related issues by reducing the magnitude and/or number of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) voltage violations, as well as meeting other objectives like increasing in substation power factor and reducing distribution system losses.