Distribution Voltage Control: Current Status and Future Trends

Driven by smart distribution technologies, the widespread use of distributed energy resources (DERs), and the injection of new loads, such as electric vehicles, electric distribution systems are evolving from passive to active. The integration of DERs (including renewable distributed generation) with their uncontrollable generation variability, imposes various grid stability challenges on distribution system operation. The primary problem is significant voltage rise in the distribution feeder that forces existing voltage control devices such as on-load tap-changers and line voltage regulators to operate more frequently. The consequence is the deterioration of the operating life of the voltage control mechanism. As such, a distributed active network management has to be fulfilled by taking advantage of the emerging techniques of control, monitoring, protection, and communication to assist distribution network operators in an optimal manner. This paper presents a short review of recent advancements and identifies emerging technologies and future development trends to support active management of distribution networks.