Voltage Regulation in Distribution Network with Penetration of Renewable Energy Sources Using Different Metaheuristic Algorithms

Abstract

Power distribution systems, traditionally managed through centralized and vertically integrated structures, often employ radial topologies or weakly interconnected networks with high resistance-to-reactance (R/X) ratios. These configurations lead to undesirable voltage profiles along with power loss. The photovoltaic (PV) based distributed generation can cause voltage control issues. The optimization framework for coordination of reactive power injection of smart inverters and tap operations of on-load tap changers (OLTCs) is proposed. The primary objective of this study is to minimize the voltage deviations and power loss in the distribution network after penetration of photovoltaic. To achieve the best results three metaheuristic algorithms: Genetic Algorithm (GA), Snake Optimization (SO) and Modified Snake Optimization (MSO) were used. It was found that SO and MSO have better optimal results compared to GA. In terms of computational time, SO was the fastest, followed by GA, whereas MSO required the longest time due to its additional mechanisms of exploration and exploitation. The proposed method is tested on IEEE 33 bus system and validated on 42 bus 11 kV radial distribution feeder using MATLAB. Results demonstrate that active energy loss and reactive energy loss are reduced by 25.78% and 18.73% respectively in IEEE 33 bus system. On the 42 bus 11 kV radial distribution feeder, active energy loss reduction of 5.16% and reactive energy loss reduction of 10.84% are achieved. This method also indicates that the coordination of reactive power outputs of PVs and OLTC facilitates better voltage magnitude profile after penetration of PVs in 11 kV distribution network.