Energy saving estimation in distribution network with smart grid-enabled CVR and solar PV inverter

Abstract

Estimation of energy savings in distribution network through smart grid-enabled conservation of voltage reduction (CVR) approach has been investigated in this study. To achieve higher-energy savings, CVR operation has been carried out with deeper voltage reduction in association with photovoltaic (PV) system while keeping the node voltages within acceptable limits. The additional reactive power support has been injected by PV inverters. The injected reactive power has been controlled by droop characteristics method. Besides, the moving cloud transient effect has been incorporated in PV power output. To evaluate the energy savings, the volt-VAR control operation has been carried out in three different modes such as without CVR, only CVR, and CVR with PV system on the modified unbalanced IEEE 123 node test system. The test system and control algorithms have been developed and simulated in open distribution system simulator interfaced with MATLAB. From simulation results, it has been demonstrated that higher-energy savings and peak load demand reduction can be achieved through smart grid-enabled CVR and PV system in comparison with the only CVR with proper voltage regulation. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2017.