Coordinated voltage regulation of distribution network with distributed generators and multiple voltage-control devices

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of generators connected to distribution networks. While offering a number of benefits and opportunities, increasing penetration of distributed generation systems can cause several technical concerns. One major concern is the rise in steady-state voltage level of a distribution system. This is very important, as distribution networks are traditionally designed to maintain customer voltage constant, within tolerance limit as dictated by statute. The present practice of limiting generation capacity cannot be a solution, as it leads to under-utilization of distributed generation sources. In this article, coordinated voltage regulation of distribution system with distributed generators is presented. The developed method uses the genetic algorithm to determine the optimal operating point for multiple voltage-control devices. The simulated results using the developed method are presented in this article, considering the time-varying load profile. The fuzzy-clustering technique is also employed to obtain the load pattern for the simulation. The reported results show that the method presented is capable of providing the voltage profile within the statute limits.