Loss minimization in AC distribution system with high share of power electronic loads providing ancillary reactive power

This article proposes a methodology for loss minimization based on the dispersed injection of reactive current by the power electronic load interfaces. Power flow optimization of the distribution system is performed and it has been identified by several simulations that the reactive injection by tightly regulated Constant Power Loads (CPLs) results in a small decrease in total current in the distribution line. The simulations also prove that the amount of reactive injection for each distribution line is independent of the number of CPLs in the system for a specific load power. The suggested methodology not only reduces the distribution losses to the half of the initial value but it also provides the local voltage support as a result of the dispersed reactive injection by the loads. This small improvement in the local voltage significantly increases the overall stability limits of the system in case of contingency.