The proposed technique, developed by researchers in South Africa, is based on the water cycle algorithm (WCA), a population-based metaheuristic optimization algorithm inspired by the water cycle process in nature and how streams and rivers flow into the sea.
Researchers from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa have developed an algorithm that reportedly ensures fair distribution of curtailment across distributed energy resources.
The new method is intended to replace the conventional Volt-Watt approaches used by energy companies and distributors. These methods manage and optimize both voltage levels (Volts) and reactive power (VAr) across the entire grid and, according to the research team, often result in uneven power curtailment, particularly to the detriment of PV systems located further from the distribution transformer.
“There is a need for comprehensive frameworks that seamlessly integrate advanced inverter controls into existing infrastructure, improving the overall stability and performance of the power grid,” the academics explain. “There is a gap in the development of dynamic and adaptive control mechanisms that can respond to fluctuating loads, varying generation profiles and other real-time operating conditions to continuously minimize power curtailment.”
In the study “Optimal limitation of active PV power in a PV-penetrated distribution network using optimal smart Volt-Watt inverter control settings”, published in Energy reportsthe research group said that the proposed algorithm can simultaneously optimize voltage regulation and active power limitation across the entire network, while achieving more balanced and effective voltage regulation.
The proposed technique is based on the water cycle algorithm (WCA), a population-based metaheuristic optimization algorithm inspired by the water cycle process in nature and the way streams and rivers flow into the sea.
“By using optimized Volt-Watt control settings for smart inverters, the method can more dynamically adjust the active PV power limitation, reducing the need for extensive compensation measures,” they further explained. “This not only improves voltage stability, but also maximizes PV hosting capacity while minimizing containment losses, something that sequential methods may struggle to achieve as efficiently.”
The new method is also said to be able to iteratively change the control parameters of the Volt-Watt curve of smart inverters to determine the ideal configuration that meets the required performance requirements.
The scientists validated the new methodology through a series of simulations using the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution test system and found that the WCA algorithm can effectively improve system performance, ensure voltage stability and minimize the adverse effects of high PV penetration without over-reliance on traditional methods.
It has also reportedly achieved “significant” reductions in PV energy curtailment, while keeping voltage levels within acceptable limits across the distribution network and ensuring the fairness of the curtailment process.
“All distributed energy sources, regardless of their proximity to the distribution transformer, participate equally in the curtailment, ensuring a more equitable distribution of the economic burden,” the academics said. “The WCA outperforms conventional metaheuristic algorithms in reducing constraint and maintaining voltage regulation.”
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
