article · IET Generation Transmission & Distribution
Integrating renewable energy sources into distribution systems creates challenges with voltage fluctuations caused by weather-related uncertainty. A two-stage method addresses this by first determining the optimal settings for voltage-regulating devices, including voltage regulators, transformer tap changers, and static VAR compensators. In the second stage, dispatchable distributed generation units work alongside these regulating devices to achieve further reductions in voltage swings. The approach applies an unbalanced backward-forward sweep load flow technique to handle unbalanced three-phase power distribution networks. The cat swarm optimiser algorithm identifies the ideal planning configuration for both regulating equipment and distributed generators to keep voltages within allowable limits. Tested on an unbalanced IEEE 34-bus distribution network, this optimisation strategy achieved a greater reduction in voltage fluctuations than particle swarm optimisation, harmony search, and water cycle algorithms.
As power networks adopt more weather-dependent renewable energy, managing grid stability becomes increasingly difficult. Fluctuating voltages can degrade equipment and breach operational safety standards. Developing automated methods to coordinate standard grid hardware with dispatchable local generators helps power networks absorb more green energy while maintaining a steady and reliable electricity supply for consumers.
The method could be incorporated into distribution management systems and grid planning software used by electricity distribution network operators. It assists in planning device settings and dispatch schedules to handle renewable volatility. Because the approach was evaluated on a standard IEEE 34-bus test feeder rather than an operational utility network, the technology represents applied simulation research that requires further testing on live distribution grids before commercial deployment.
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The penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) in distribution systems faces many issues due to their output uncertainty resulted from climate conditions. The uncertainty impacts on the voltage fluctuations are reduced by using a proposed bi‐stage method. At first, the system voltage is controlled by determining the optimal setting of voltage‐regulating devices such as voltage regulators, transformer tap changers and static VAR compensator. Then, the dispatchable distributed generation (DDGs) units are accompanied by the voltage regulating devices to achieve more reduction in the voltage fluctuations. In this line, unbalanced backward–forward sweep load flow method is formulated to analyse the unbalanced operation of three‐phase distribution systems. The main objectives of the proposed method are to reduce voltage fluctuations to maintain voltage profile within its permissible limits. In addition, the cat swarm optimiser (CSO) is implemented to obtain the optimal planning of voltage regulating devices and DDGs to achieve the lowest uncertainty influence on the voltage fluctuations. The proposed method is applied to a real unbalanced IEEE 34‐bus distribution test system. The highest capability of CSO algorithm, i.e. CSO provides the highest reduction on the voltage fluctuations, is proven compared with particle swarm optimisation, harmony search and water cycle algorithms.
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DOI: 10.1049/iet-gtd.2018.5136
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