Optimal Voltage Regulation in Distribution Systems With Unbalanced Loads and Distributed Generation

This paper proposes optimal voltage control strategies for distribution systems that have multiple voltage regulator devices. The system must operate reaching desirable voltage profiles for scenarios that consider extreme loading (heavy and light), unbalanced loads and distributed generation connection. The problem is modeled as an optimization problem that ensures the attendance of the constraints related to voltage limits, power balance and control devices capacity. The decision variables are the taps of the voltage control devices, which play an important role on Volt/Var control. A genetic algorithm implemented through a computer interface between Matlab and OpenDSS packages determines the number of control operations. It is assumed that the distribution system has a centralized control with all necessary communication infrastructure. To confirm the validity of the proposed method, simulations were performed by using the IEEE 34 node test feeder. The results showed that the strategies contributed to reduce the voltage deviation along the feeder, the voltage unbalance and the total feeder losses.