A smart volt-var optimization engine for energy distribution system

Volt-Var Optimization (VVO) is a renovated smart grid technology that utilized the advance smart grid assets such as Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distribution Management System (DMS) and Advanced Communication System. VVO offers energy savings with associated reduction in green house gas emission and other directly or indirectly benefits to customers and/or utilities. The main function of the VVO is to determine the operational setting of volt/var control devices, to minimize the system loss of the distribution network and switching operation of the On-load Tap Changer (OLTC), Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), and Capacitor Banks (CBs). VVO is an advanced method that optimizes voltage and/or reactive power (VAR) of a distribution network based on predetermined aggregated feeder load profile. This paper presents a critical review of VVO/CVR technology with traditional and existing techniques in the era of smart grid. A Smart Volt-Var optimization engine also proposed for medium and low voltage distribution feeders.