Assessing the performance of smart inverters in large-scale distribution networks with PV systems

The emergence of clusters of rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) systems in Distribution Networks (DNs) might result into voltage rise that can exceed the voltage limits particularly in secondary systems. This paper assesses the performance of two smart inverter controllers (Volt-Watt and Volt-Var) to mitigate these technical problems. A large-scale DN fully modeled in OpenDSS is used in the assessment considering realistic load profiles and irradiation for the area where the distribution circuit is located. Four penetration levels of PV systems are evaluated without and with smart inverters. Results demonstrate that overreacting settings of Volt-Watt and Volt-Var controllers can help reducing the magnitude of the problem; however, they show that the reactive power consumed or active power curtailed varies significantly among customers participating on voltage regulation; thus highlighting that coordinated control actions are needed in real DNs with thousands of customers.