Multivariable Control Structure Selection for Active Distribution Networks

The paradigm of distributed generation (DG) has driven the growth of small and medium scale renewable generation systems located close to the demand centers. As a consequence, traditional distribution networks are in a transition towards what are called Active Distribution Networks (ADNs). The intermittent nature of renewable generation causes fast voltage fluctuations that are difficult to handle and deteriorate the power quality. In the literature, the definition of what type of voltage controller implementation to carry out, with the consequent communication infrastructure requirement, is a decision taken in isolation without considering performance criteria. In this work a systematic strategy is proposed for the analysis, design and implementation of controllers for voltage regulation in ADNs with DG based on the theory of Plant Wide Control (PWC) from Process Systems Engineering (PSE) community. This strategy allows us to find control structures that optimize the hardware necessary for its implementation and have a good dynamic performance. To evaluate the proposed methodology the IEEE 33 distribution network model is used, to which 6 DGs are incorporated.