A LV network overvoltage mitigation strategy based on epsilon-decomposition

To increase the penetration of distributed renewable energy resources (DRES) in the existing LV network, new control solutions need to be developed. In this paper an algorithm for overvoltage mitigation in LV networks with DRES is proposed. Complex communication infrastructure for monitoring and controlling an extensive part of the LV network is not economically attractive for distribution system operators (DSO). Thus, in this study, a large LV network is decomposed into a number of smaller sub-networks using the epsilon-decomposition algorithm. As a result, applying the proposed control strategy requires communication only within the individual sub-networks. The sensitivity matrix-based method is used to mitigate the overvoltage problem by partially curtailing the output power of DRES. The proposed control strategy can mitigate the overvoltage also in case loss of communication occurs in few DRES units. Finally, it is demonstrated that the proposed approach to decomposing the network can be performed offline using system data that is readily available to the DSO, and consequently it can be easily applied in real LV networks.