Pilot point selection for secondary voltage control in active distribution networks with applications to an Australian feeder

This paper presents a method for selecting pilot points used in secondary voltage control of active distribution networks. A unique formulation for pilot point selection is presented as a multi-objective stochastic optimization problem solved using differential evolution. The pilot point selection method considers multiple operating cases with different combinations of solar photovoltaic generation, loads, and electric vehicle uncertainties. The proposed methodology is applied to the IEEE 33 bus test system and a large Australian distribution feeder while observability, controllability, and robustness metrics are used to compare the proposed method against existing methods. Compared with the existing pilot point selection approaches, it is found that the proposed method obtains the most observable, controllable, and robust set of pilot points, making the method effective for the optimal selection of pilot points used in secondary voltage control of active distribution networks.