Voltage control with local decisions in low voltage distribution grids with DER penetration

This paper presents two droop-based voltage control algorithms that try to achieve maximum generation by Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), while keeping the voltage levels within the operating limits. One of the algorithms is based on gradual adaptation using small power increments/decrements, while the other algorithm is based on a linear approximation of the function that relates the generated power with the voltage measured at the DER coupling point. These algorithms were comparatively evaluated against a state-of-the-art connect/disconnect scheme and an optimal centralized algorithm. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed distributed algorithms approaches that of the centralized algorithm, with the incremental algorithm presenting faster convergence than the linear algorithm.