Least-Cost Overvoltage Control in PV-Rich Distribution Networks via Unbalanced Optimal Power Flow

TL;DR

This paper presents a cost-effective unbalanced optimal power flow method to mitigate overvoltages caused by high PV penetration in distribution networks, comparing active power curtailment and combined control strategies.

Contribution

Introduces a novel UBOPF-based tool for assessing local inverter control strategies to mitigate overvoltage issues in PV-rich distribution networks.

Findings

Both control strategies effectively maintain voltage within limits.

Combined active and reactive control results in lower PV curtailment.

The approach emphasizes the need for proper compensation of ancillary services.

Abstract

The increasing penetration of photovoltaic (PV) generation in low-voltage distribution networks presents operational challenges, with overvoltages being among the most critical. This study introduces a tool based on Unbalanced Optimal Power Flow (UBOPF) to assess cost-effective local inverter control strategies specifically aimed at mitigating overvoltage issues. Two approaches are examined: dynamic active power curtailment and combined active and reactive power control. These strategies are tested on a residential low-voltage network with high PV penetration, where the UBOPF model with voltage-magnitude constraints was implemented in Julia using the JuMP optimization package. The results demonstrate that both methods are effective in maintaining voltage levels within regulatory limits, with the latter leading to lower PV curtailment. The analysis highlights the need to consider these control actions as ancillary services to the grid, which should be properly compensated given their effect on generator revenues.