Automated Voltage Regulation in Distribution Grids With Distributed Generation

Abstract

Traditionally, to regulate the voltage at the Distribution level it is assumed that the electric grid keep its classic structure where power flow always goes from the large generators to the consumers passing through transmission and distribution grids. The Distributed Generation (DG) contradicts the previous assumption because it injects power at the distribution level, which results in a local voltage increase and can potentially reverse the active power flows in the distribution grid, causing missoperations in traditional voltage regulation schemes. This paper describes a method developed in the uruguayan utility, Administracion Nacional de Usinas y Trasmisiones Electricas (UTE), to regulate voltage considering the effect of the DG. It also describes the first regulatory testbed pilot experience implemented with this method, and the results obtained.