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Adaptive Volt-Var Control Algorithm to Grid Strength and PV Inverter Characteristics

Author

Listed:
  • Toni Cantero Gubert

    (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), Sant Adrià de Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Alba Colet

    (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), Sant Adrià de Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Lluc Canals Casals

    (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), Sant Adrià de Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
    Department of Projects and Construction Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Cristina Corchero

    (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), Sant Adrià de Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain
    Department of Projects and Construction Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain)

  • José Luís Domínguez-García

    (Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), Sant Adrià de Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Amelia Alvarez de Sotomayor

    (Schneider Electric, 41092 Sevilla, Spain)

  • William Martin

    (CSEM SA, 2002 Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

  • Yves Stauffer

    (CSEM SA, 2002 Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

  • Pierre-Jean Alet

    (CSEM SA, 2002 Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

Abstract

The high-penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in low voltage distribution grids, mainly photovoltaics (PV), might lead to overvoltage in the point of common coupling, thus, limiting the entrance of renewable sources to fulfill the requirements from the network operator. Volt-var is a common control function for DER power converters that is used to enhance the stability and reliability of the voltage in the distribution system. In this study, a centralized algorithm provides local volt-var control parameters to each PV inverter, which are based on the electrical grid characteristics. Because accurate information of grid characteristics is typically not available, the parametrization of the electrical grid is done using a local power meter data and a voltage sensitivity matrix. The algorithm has different optimization modes that take into account the minimization of voltage deviation and line current. To validate the effectiveness of the algorithm and its deployment in a real infrastructure, the solution has been tested in an experimental setup with PV emulators under laboratory conditions. The volt-var control algorithm successfully adapted its parameters based on grid topology and PV inverter characteristics, achieving a voltage reduction of up to 25% of the allowed voltage deviation.

Suggested Citation

  • Toni Cantero Gubert & Alba Colet & Lluc Canals Casals & Cristina Corchero & José Luís Domínguez-García & Amelia Alvarez de Sotomayor & William Martin & Yves Stauffer & Pierre-Jean Alet, 2021. "Adaptive Volt-Var Control Algorithm to Grid Strength and PV Inverter Characteristics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4459-:d:537374
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    References listed on IDEAS

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