Integrated volt/VAr control in distribution systems

The paper proposes new supervisory control schemes for integrated volt/VAr control at distribution substations and feeders. The new supervisory controller located at the substation coordinates the control of local regulating devices based on dynamically changing system conditions rather than local measurements. The supervisory scheme uses the measurements and communications between field devices in order to provide the coordination. Three different versions of this control scheme have been developed in order to accommodate for the varying amount of measurement and communication that may be available on a given system. Test results indicate that the new schemes better coordinate the control actions of the voltage regulator and capacitor banks and thus provide a more effective volt/VAr control.