Voltage regulation in the medium voltage distribution grid in the presence of renewable energy sources

Abstract

Abstract The Moroccan electricity network has been designed and sized to work with high power outputs connected to the transmission network, delivering a unidirectional power flow from production to consumption. In this configuration, the electricity network carries electricity from production plants mainly connected to the transmission network to customers via the distribution network. So, voltage setting devices on the distribution network such as load-adjustable power transformers and medium voltage MV capacitor banks are set and operated for this network configuration. The inclusion of the Decentralized Production DP based on renewable energies can induce a reversal of the power flow on the distribution network. This therefore raises problems of voltage regulation in the presence of renewable energy sources. This article shows the limit of the current voltage regulation and exposes a view of adjusting the voltage on the distribution grid in the presence of renewable energy sources connected to medium voltage MV. The results show that, with a sufficient DP capacity installed, the power and energy losses and the voltage drop on the MV network are reduced.