Distributed Online Feedback Optimization for Real-time Distribution System Voltage Regulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a distributed online feedback optimization method for real-time voltage regulation in distribution systems, emphasizing privacy preservation, robustness, and improved performance over existing approaches.

Contribution

It proposes a novel distributed OFO design based on nested feedback optimization, enhancing robustness and privacy in real-time voltage regulation.

Findings

Achieves effective voltage regulation in distribution systems.

Outperforms other distributed and local voltage regulation methods.

Demonstrates robustness to uncertainties and disturbances.

Abstract

We investigate the real-time voltage regulation problem in distribution systems employing online feedback optimization (OFO) with short-range communication between physical neighbours. OFO does not need an accurate grid model nor estimated consumption of non-controllable loads, affords fast calculations, and demonstrates robustness to uncertainties and disturbances, which render it particularly suitable for real-time distribution system applications. However, many OFO controllers require centralized communication, making them susceptible to single-point failures. This paper proposes a distributed OFO design based on a nested feedback optimization strategy and analyzes its convergence. The strategy preserves end-users' privacy by keeping voltage data local. Numerical study results demonstrate that the proposed design achieves effective voltage regulation and outperforms other distributed and local approaches.