Voltage Optimization of Distribution Networks with Various Distributed PV Inverter Control Technologies

With the continuous development of distributed energy resources in modern distribution systems, the distribution network has become volatile to voltage fluctuations induced by both the DERs and the loads. The control of inverters in distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generators can perform reactive power support, but the voltage optimization of distribution networks still needs deep investigation. Therefore, a novel voltage optimization model of distribution networks with various distributed PV inverter control technologies is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the voltage optimization model for distribution networks with various distributed PV inverters is introduced, and different equality and inequality constraints for both grid-following and grid-forming inverter control technologies are modeled in detail. Then the nonlinear interior point method is used to solve the optimization model. Finally, several numerical case studies are performed on a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution network, in which the results validate that our model can be used for voltage optimization of distribution networks with various distributed PV inverter control technologies.