Model Predictive Control based Coordinated Voltage Control in Active Distribution Networks utilizing OLTC and DSTATCOM

The rapid growth of solar photovoltaics (PV) has brought tremendous challenges to the distribution network operators. Voltage regulation is one of the serious concerns in the renewables-interfaced distribution networks. This paper proposes a control strategy to coordinate distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM) along with active power curtailment and on-load tap changer to ensure acceptable voltage magnitudes across distribution networks. The coordinated control strategy is based on model predictive control (MPC). The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is verified on a 33-bus distribution network. Further, simulations are performed to study the effects of DSTATCOM in voltage regulation and compare the effects of DSTATCOM and PV inverter as reactive power compensation devices in networks. The test system is further simulated with a sudden large voltage increase in the slack bus of the network. Active power curtailment is considered as the emergency control action for all the scenarios.