Investigation of the Performance of Modern Volt-var Control Technologies in Electric Power Distribution Systems with Rooftop PV Generators

The increased penetration of rooftop PV generators in electric power distribution networks has caused technical problems, such as overvoltage, low power factor, and higher maintenance costs of Volt-var control equipment. This work investigates the potential of modern Volt-var control technologies in mitigating technical issues aggravated by the connection of rooftop PV generators to the distribution systems. The performance of the technologies is assessed in terms of the violation of steady-state voltage and power factor regulatory limits, and the number of operations of controllable devices, which affects maintenance costs. Active power loss is also evaluated to identify how the technology under analysis affects it. The results can be used to guide the utilities in the choice of the most suitable solution (a single or a set of equipment) according to the identified technical problems.