Advanced voltage control for smart microgrids using distributed energy resources

Abstract

Large scale integration of distributed generation (DG), particularly based on variable renewable energy sources (RES), in low voltage (LV) distribution networks brings significant challenges to operation. This paper presents a new methodology for mitigating voltage problems in LV networks, in a future scenario with high integration of distributed energy resources (DER), taking advantage of these resources based on a smart grid type architecture. These resources include dispersed energy storage systems, controllable loads of residential clients under demand side management (DSM) actions and microgeneration units. The algorithm developed was tested in a real Portuguese LV network and showed good performance in controlling voltage profiles while being able to integrate all energy from renewable sources and minimizing the energy not supplied.