Universal volt/var control strategy for different distribution networks in Australia

Abstract

Distribution networks across Australia differ in terms of topology, size, cabling, rating and loading. Although there are multiple different network types, all distribution network service providers (DNSPs) are required to maintain voltage levels across the entire network within specified boundaries. DNSPs cannot employ the same voltage regulation strategy on all networks due to diverse requirements for each network. In addition, DNSPs are also required to ensure that the voltage unbalance in a network is within acceptable limits. One of the recognised methods for voltage regulation in either medium voltage (MV) or low voltage (LV) networks is volt/var control. However, separate control methods are usually applied in MV and connected LV networks. This paper presents a broad classification of distribution networks in Australia based on their voltage regulation requirements. A generalised volt/var control strategy which aims to improve voltage regulation and reduce voltage unbalance in different types of distribution networks in Australia is proposed and tested on three different representative networks from each classification. The results validated the efficiency of the proposed volt/var control strategy for different types of networks.