A Novel Central Voltage-Control Strategy for Smart LV Distribution Networks

With the inclusion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) components into the low-voltage (LV) distribution grid, some measurement data from smart meters are available for the control of the distribution networks with high penetration of photovoltaic (PV). This paper undertakes a central voltage-control strategy for smart LV distribution networks, by using a novel optimal power flow (OPF) methodology in combination with the information collected from smart meters for the power flow calculation. The proposed strategy can simultaneously mitigate the PV reactive power fluctuations, as well as minimize the voltage rise and power losses. The results are very promising, as voltage control is achieved fast and accurately, the reactive power is smoothed in reference to the typical optimization techniques and the local control strategies as validated with a real-time simulator.