Optimized Characteristic-Curve-Based Local Reactive Power Control in Distribution Grids with Distributed Generators

The local reactive power control in distribution networks with massive penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) is essential in future power system operation. An appropriate control characteristic curve for DERs providing reactive power supports stable and efficient distribution network operation. In this paper, an innovative approach to obtain an optimized characteristic curve for DERs is proposed.With the power system analysis tool pandapower and an artificial neural network-based optimization tool, a case study with a real German distribution grid is carried out with quasi-static time-series simulation with fast parallel power flow solver backend. The performance of the new approach is compared to the three standard local reactive control concepts, fixed cos (phi) control, Q(P)-control, and Q(V)-control. Keywords – reactive power control, optimal power flow, optimized local control of distributed generators