On the Stability of Local Voltage Control in Distribution Networks with a High Penetration of Inverter-Based Generation

Abstract

A stability study of distribution networks with a high penetration of distributed generators (DGs) actively supporting the network is presented in this paper. A possible way of mitigating the voltage rise caused by DGs is the local control of reactive power. Among the different possible options, the Q(U) control (reactive power as a function of the voltage) is one of the commonly suggested solutions. However, the Q(U) control can, under certain conditions, lead to instability. This paper summarizes the results of a stability study conducted on a single-inverter system and on a multiinverter system. It shows that the requirements for reaching a stable operation can easily be met for integrated systems but could be a significant constraint for systems relying on communication.