Optimal Steady-State Voltage Control Using Gaussian Process Learning

Abstract

In this article, an optimal steady-state voltage control framework is developed based on a novel linear voltage-power dependence deducted from Gaussian process (GP) learning. Different from other point-based linearization techniques, this GP-based linear relationship is valid over a subspace of operating points and, thus, suitable for a system with uncertainties such as those in power injections due to renewables. The proposed optimal voltage control algorithms, therefore, perform well over a wide range of operating conditions. Both centralized and distributed optimal control schemes are introduced in this framework. The least-squares estimation is employed to provide analytical forms of the optimal control, which offer great computational benefits. Moreover, unlike many existing voltage control approaches deploying fixed voltage references, the proposed control schemes not only minimize the control efforts but also optimize the voltage reference setpoints that lead to the least voltage deviation errors with respect to such setpoints. The control algorithms are also extended to handle uncertain power injections with robust optimal solutions, which guarantee compliance with the voltage regulation standards. As for the distributed control scheme, a new network partition problem is cast, based on the concept of effective voltage control source (EVCS), as an optimization problem which is further solved using convex relaxation. Various simulations on the IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus test feeders are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed voltage control algorithms and EVCS-based network partition.