Day-ahead optimal scheduling of PV inverters and OLTC in distribution feeders

In this paper, we present a day-ahead optimal scheduling for reactive power of PV inverters and tap position of on-load tap changer (OLTC) in distribution network. We used a pattern search optimization algorithm based on the forecasted load demand and PVs active power generation. While the objective is to minimize the node voltage deviation and network losses, the maximum number of tap operation is maintained in a predefined limit. A modified IEEE 34 node test feeder is used to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed scheduling approach. A stochastic analysis is presented to show the performance of the proposed optimal scheduling in the presence of forecast errors of the PV generation and load demand.