An Authenticated Control Framework for Distributed Voltage Support on the Smart Grid

Existing and forthcoming devices at the residential level have the ability to provide reactive power support. Inverters which connect distributed generation such as solar panels and pluggable hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to the grid are an example. Such devices are not currently utilized by the power system. We investigate the integration of these end-user reactive-power-capable devices to provide voltage support to the grid via a secure communications infrastructure. We determine effective locations in the transmission system and show how reactive power resources connected at those buses can be controlled. Buses belong to reactive support groups which parallel the regions of the secure communications architecture that is presented. Ultimately, our goal is to present how the smart grid can enable the utilization of available end-user devices as a resource to mitigate power system problems such as voltage collapse.