Voltage profile optimization with distributed generation

A novel approach for voltage and reactive power control in active distribution networks is proposed in this paper. The purpose of the methodology is to achieve the overall objective of minimum network costs and, at the same time, allows finding a proper dispatch schedule for the distributed generators connected to the network such that voltage profile is optimized. The voltage regulation procedure follows iteratively two steps combining a genetic algorithm with a linearly constrained optimization method. Firstly, the genetic algorithm set the most promising distributed generation siting and sizing configurations and, secondly, for each configuration, the constrained optimization method is applied in order to find the operating point for all distributed generators that optimizes the voltage profile. The procedure efficiency has been tested in a real distribution network. The results show that distributed generation may offer a valuable opportunity to enhance voltage profile in distribution networks and can significantly impact the planning stage.