Smart inverter settings for improving distribution feeder performance

Photovoltaic (PV) generation is increasingly prevalent throughout power distribution systems. The increased presence of this variable resource can cause adverse impacts to the system due to cloud-induced power output fluctuations. These adverse impacts can be mitigated by allowing PV inverters to absorb and provide reactive power in response to voltage swings. Additionally, properly chosen reactive power response settings can improve distribution feeder metrics such as system losses, number of regulator tap changes, customer consumption, and voltage variability. This paper will assess the impact of smart inverter settings on the performance of a distribution feeder in the United States, identify relationships between suitable settings and feeder variables that may be applicable to other feeders, and show the potential benefit of integrated control.