A cost-effective approach for fast voltage recovery of power distribution networks with renewable energy

Abstract

This paper presents a cost-effective reactive power planning for active distribution networks based on a new index called reactive power loadability (Q-loadability). The impact of high renewable energy penetration on the static voltage stability of the system is analysed. The effect of load models in distributed generation planning is also demonstrated through nonlinear simulations. In order to ensure fast voltage recovery after a sudden disturbance, compensating devices are located using Q-loadability to increase the system voltage stability limit. Both static and dynamic analyses are carried out to determine the size of distribution static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM). The parameters of the controller are also tuned to reduce the rating of D-STATCOM. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can reduce the sizes of compensating devices required which, in turn, reduces costs. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified through several case studies.

Keywords:

• composite load
• distributed generation
• D-STATCOM
• Q-loadability
• reactive power margin
• solar
• wind turbine

Acknowledgements

The authors thank T. Aziz of the University of Queensland, Australia, for providing valuable discussion.