Automated voltage control for a distribution network using volt-var mode of smart inverters

Abstract

Increasing penetration of Distributed Energy Resources into present-day distribution networks may introduce voltage issues, especially over voltage situations. Hence the power quality may be affected. The system can depend on slow-responding legacy devices such as on-load tap changing transformers and capacitor banks for voltage regulation. But they cannot be operated on regularly as it may reduce their lifetime. Therefore, a contribution from smart PV inverters can be obtained for a faster response. This paper focuses on obtaining a contribution from smart inverters along with dispatching of legacy devices optimally using a Deep Q Network agent. A modified IEEE 123 node test feeder is used to validate the suggested framework where PV systems are embedded in each and every node. It is compared with multiple cases to verify the effectiveness of the suggested technique. The results assure that the voltages of almost all the nodes are well within the acceptable range (0.95pu –1.05pu).