Conservation Voltage Reduction in Secondary Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation and Electric Vehicle Charging Loads

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential for Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) in Low Voltage (LV) secondary distribution networks. CVR is a well-established technique where the voltage in LV networks is managed at a reduced, but still acceptable level in order to obtain energy savings. In this paper, a component-based load modelling approach is used to create time-varying models of residential loads designed to accurately represent the changes in electrical characteristics of LV customer loads over time. The proposed CVR approach is analysed in several scenarios with high penetrations of residential PV (Photovoltaic) units and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging loads in order to assess the impact of these technologies on CVR. Simulations are carried out using a detailed three-phase model of a typical European LV residential distribution network. The results quantify the CVR energy savings and the effects of CVR on LV network voltage quality. The sensitivity of the CVR results to the load model parameters is also analysed.