Generation increase on distribution feeders using electronic voltage regulators

Abstract

This paper discusses the impact of using two types of electronic voltage regulators (EVRs) that can replace mechanical voltage regulators on the medium voltage network. It is shown how the EVRs can reduce the rapid voltage change level of distributed generation (DG) on weak networks and increase the amount of generation that can be connected to the network. EVRs improve power quality by limiting the voltage variations caused by highly variable generation such as the power produced by photo-voltaic (PV) plants. Simulations are performed on a test network to compare the penetration levels of different DG connection cases. It is shown that the EVRs have the potential to increase DG penetration levels substantially while improving power quality at the same time.