CVR and Loss Optimization Through Active Voltage Management: A Trade-off Analysis

Distribution companies are increasingly turning to active network management improve how networks perform with respect different metrics or objectives. This includes Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) that seeks minimize energy usage of consumers (mostly connected low voltage, LV, levels) by reducing their supply voltage. However, if medium voltage (MV) levels have be reduced achieve CVR, it can negatively affect the losses in MV networks. In this study, we explore potential trade-off may exist between consumption LV and increase A Pareto Particle Swarm Optimization (PPSO) is used actively control devices, including on-load tap changer-fitted transformers capacitors. Using three realistically modelled radially operated UK MV/LV serving 37,000+ customers (94% residential, 6% commercial industrial), our results show a does exist, but increasing flexibility, particularly controllable transformers. Furthermore, for these reduction due CVR 20 times larger than seen losses. These insights useful distribution assessing overall benefits despite small increases