Model Predictive Dispatch of Energy Storage for Voltage Regulation in Active Distribution Systems

In this work, a model predictive dispatch framework is proposed to utilize Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) for voltage regulation in distribution systems. The objective is to utilize ESS resources to assist with voltage regulation while reducing the utilization of legacy devices such as on-load tap changers (OLTCs), capacitor banks, etc. The proposed framework is part of a two-stage solution where a secondary layer computes the ESS dispatch every 5-min based on 1-hr generation and load forecasts while a primary layer would handle the real-time uncertainties. In this paper, the secondary layer to dispatch the ESS is formulated. Simulation results show that dispatching ESSs by providing active and reactive support can minimize the OLTC movement in distribution networks thus increasing the lifetime of legacy mechanical devices.