Study of Volt/Var control applied to future distribution systems

Abstract

Recently, the structure of distribution systems is undergoing profound changes, becoming more monitored and controllable. The connection of distributed generators, as the photovoltaic systems, is one of these changes. With the increase in their number, it is possible that the voltages observed in the system surpass the statutory limits established by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL). This violation, when attested, results in penalties to the utilities and losses to the customers that may have their devices damaged. Despite the negative technical impacts, the inverters of the photovoltaic systems can be used to aid voltage and reactive power regulation. In this context, several approaches have been proposed to mitigate the technical impacts caused by distributed generators. Among these approaches one can detach the control scheme known as Volt/Var, a centralized scheme that integrates voltage and reactive power control functions. Therefore, this scientific initiation project aims to study the Volt/Var control solved by an optimization tool, and focused on distribution systems with a high monitoring level and a massive integration of photovoltaic systems. Such function will be implemented in a GIS-based tool, allowing the evaluation of its performance regarding the control and coordination of photovoltaic systems. (AU)