Dual-decomposition-based peer-to-peer voltage control for distribution networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a distributed voltage control algorithm for distribution networks with high DER penetration, using dual decomposition and peer-to-peer communication to maintain voltage within limits effectively.

Contribution

It presents a novel fully distributed control method based on dual decomposition, transforming centralized optimization into a peer-to-peer framework for voltage regulation.

Findings

Effective voltage control within limits demonstrated in simulations

Distributed algorithm performs well on real low voltage feeder

Peer-to-peer communication enables scalable control

Abstract

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) creates new voltage issues in distribution networks. This study proposes an algorithm that mitigates these issues, by actively managing the active and reactive power of those DERs. The control problem is formulated as an optimisation problem. The study proposes solving the problem in a fully distributed manner and presents a methodology to convert a centralised constraint optimisation problem into a fully distributed constraint optimisation problem based on dual decomposition, linearised model of the distribution network and peer-to-peer communication protocol. A real low voltage residential semi-urban feeder from the region of Flanders, Belgium has been used as a case study. The simulation results show the ability of the proposed peer-to-peer control algorithm to control the voltage effectively within limits.