An Operational Approach to Multi-Objective Optimization for Volt-VAr Control

David Raz,Yuval Beck

doi:10.3390/en13225871

David Raz, Yuval Beck

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en13225871

Copy DOI

Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Nov 10, 2020
Citations: 5	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Holon Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University

Abstract

Recent research has enabled the integration of traditional Volt-VAr Control (VVC) resources, such as capacitor banks and transformer tap changers, with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as photo-voltaic sources and energy storage, in order to achieve various Volt-VAr Optimization (VVO) targets, such as Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR), minimizing VAr flow at the transformer, minimizing grid losses, minimizing asset operations and more. When more than one target function can be optimized, the question of multi-objective optimization is raised. In this work, a general formulation of the multi-objective Volt-VAr Optimization problem is proposed. The applicability of various multi-optimization techniques is considered and the operational interpretation of these solutions is discussed. The methods are demonstrated using a simulation on a test feeder.

Highlights

Traditional distribution systems include Volt-VAr Control (VVC) devices that aim to maintain the voltage within allowable limits, as required by the grid code or by power quality standards, such as EN 60150 [1,2]
A general formulation of this multi-objective problem was presented by first defining a general single-objection optimization method, including time and scenario-based optimization, and extending it to the multi-objective case
Two general techniques for multi-objective optimization were discussed, namely the weighted-sum technique, which is often combined with an efficient/Pareto optimal curve, and the e-constraint technique, which can be used with various reservation level-setting methods

Summary

Introduction

Traditional distribution systems include Volt-VAr Control (VVC) devices that aim to maintain the voltage within allowable limits, as required by the grid code or by power quality standards, such as EN 60150 [1,2]. Failure to meet these limits may result in regulatory sanctions and fines and, in extreme cases, malfunction and damage to electrical equipment. There are methods in which a VVC device varies the reactive power, which changes the voltage in the system. Direct methods can directly change and affect the voltage and include devices such as On-Load Tap Changers (OLTC), transformers and voltage regulators [4]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion