Local voltage control in distribution networks using PI control of active and reactive power

Abstract

Overvoltage is becoming increasingly prevalent in distribution networks with high penetration of renewable distributed energy sources (DERs). Local control of converter-based resources is a flexible and scalable method to prevent this growing issue. Reactive power is used for voltage control in many local control schemes. However, the typical range of R/X ratios for distribution power lines indicates that mitigation of overvoltage often requires excessive amounts of reactive power. Complete reliance on reactive power thus limits the effectiveness of local control strategies. In this work we instead propose a method that combines enhanced power factor voltage control with upper voltage limit tracking using PI control. We develop a modelling framework and demonstrate the stability of the proposed method. We then simulate the nonlinear operation of two parallel PI controllers in a medium voltage test system.