Analysis and Control of Voltage Levels and Power Factor in MV and LV Grids with connected PV Systems

Through the growth of photovoltaic (PV) power plants in micro and mini-generation, new control methods are needed to prevent and control the losses and hosting capacity in distribution grids. In this scenario, PV power plants connected in low-voltage (LV) and medium-voltage (MV) grids are required to control their voltages and power factor (PF) at the point of common coupling (PCC). This paper presents a simulation in OpenDSS controlled by a python code using an IEEE Test Case circuit which was modified with the insertion of PV power systems connected in the LV and MV grid, as well as some Energy Storage Systems (ESS) which are used to control the power factor and the voltage of the grid. The simulations presented are executed on a daily mode with a step size of 15 minutes. The results show the variation of the voltage in the grid without control and with different types of control, such as volt-var and volt-watt, as well as the variation of the power factor in the MV grid with unitary PF and with constant power factor mode searching for the best power factor setting at the moment. The results demonstrate the performance of different control combinations between PV Systems and ESS aiming to prevent overvoltages at the grid and achieve a better configuration of power factor.