INTEGRATION OF MICROGRIDFOR VOLTAGE CONTROL IN A SMART DISTRIBUTION GRID

Abstract

Voltage regulation for stability and reliability is required during the connection of large number of Distributed generation (DG) to the microgrid to avoid reactive power and or voltage oscillations. The energy demand must be equal to energy consumed in a balanced system, if not; it will cause frequency deviation from its set point value. Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS) simulation software is used to estimate the degree of involvement of battery energy storage (BES) unit in a distributiongrid voltage level management and the ability of microgrid involvement in active voltage control of medium voltage feeder in this paper. The study revealed that the coordination of VAr control devices such as OnLoad Tap Changer (OLTC) transformer and shunt capacitors (SC) with battery energy storageat the distribution network is more efficient and more accurate means of voltage regulation/control than the application of VAr control devices only. In addition, the activities of microgrids in voltage control of smart distribution network showed that voltage level can be affected in medium voltage and in low voltage network by active and reactive absorbing and feeding of a battery energy storage that is connected to distribution network substation.