Voltage Control Strategies in Distribution Systems With High Distributed Generation Penetration: Models, Methods and Future Research

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent global research on voltage control in distribution systems with high penetration of distributed generation. First, it examines voltage regulation challenges in distribution systems that integrate distributed generation. Second, it reviews the implementation of voltage control devices and strategies and discusses key factors influencing their deployment, including system modelling and optimisation methods. Third, the paper covers a wide range of control strategies, including local, centralized, decentralized, distributed, hierarchical and hybrid approaches and systematically compares them in terms of distribution system structures, control variables, optimisation techniques and solution methodologies, providing insights into their suitability for modern distribution system operation. Fourth, voltage control strategies and solution methodologies are analysed in discussion based on comparative results reported in the literature. Finally, future research directions are outlined, including artificial intelligence (AI)–driven control with hierarchical and hybrid strategies and electric vehicle based active and reactive power support for voltage regulation, as well as system security and privacy considerations.