Management of Inverter-based Distributed Energy Resources for Providing Voltage Regulation Support in Islanded Operation of Low Voltage Networks

Abstract

Growing number of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) and sensitive loads increase the need for coordinated power management activities in islanded operation of microgrids. Especially low voltage networks have low inertia and high R/X ratio, causing instability due to fluctuations in distributed generation (DG) and local voltage problems in islanded operation. This study investigates management of DERs that operate in current mode for providing voltage regulation support to master unit(s) in islanded operation of microgrids. A special focus was set on local voltage issues in low voltage (LV) network feeders. Field experiments in a large test facility highlighted management accuracy and corrective impact potential of DERs connected to different parts of a feeder.