ADMM-based multi-objective control scheme for mitigating the impact of high penetration DER integration in the modern distribution systems

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources in modern distribution networks has introduced challenges for grid voltage regulation. In light of this, the present study proposes a multi-agent distributed voltage control strategy that utilizes the proximal Jacobian alternating direction method of multipliers (PJ-ADMM) algorithm for distribution power systems with a high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) resources coordinated with battery energy storage systems (BESS). The study aims to address the voltage violation issue caused by the mismatch between loads and solar PV generation, as well as uncertainties associated with the intermittent nature of PV generation, in distribution networks with a high penetration of PV resources. The objective is to develop a robust and scalable control technique that can handle the high penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in an extensive network using the JPADMM algorithm for voltage control by optimizing the active and reactive power support in a large-scale network. The proposed solution is divided into two phases. In the first phase, the voltage control problem is formulated as an optimization problem using the PJ-ADMM algorithm to regulate the voltages within an acceptable limit with fast convergence. The approach considers both the active and reactive power of PVs in high PV penetration distribution power systems. In the second phase, a coordinated voltage control strategy for smart PV inverters and BESS is developed to allocate the power capacity of the BESSs and minimize the active power loss, as well as mitigate voltage violations. This phase determines the optimal sizing of virtual BESS units in the distribution network and minimizes active power losses through the coordination of PVs and BESSs smart inverters. The control policy ensures efficient active voltage regulation by absorbing or injecting the minimum active power and charging or discharging the BESS during both PV generation and peak demand periods. This thesis aims to develop a novel active control scheme that addresses voltage rise and drop issues while maintaining voltage profiles within permissible limits and decreasing losses. The BESS-sizing method provided by photovoltaic-battery inverters helps minimize PV energy loss. The optimization formulation of each agent takes into account variable parameters and considers uncertainties associated with solar energy generation and load demands. The PJADMM algorithm controls smart PV inverters locally and allocates the charging/discharging rates of the BESS based on minimum curtailment. This intelligent method demonstrates the ability of smart inverters to handle PV uncertainties and provide voltage support through either active or reactive power. Finally, the proposed method is evaluated using MATLAB/Simulink and MATPOWER on modified IEEE 13-bus, 33-bus, and 141-bus distribution systems. The results demonstrate the effectiveness, robustness, and scalability of the distributed scheme for voltage improvement and optimal utilization of PV power under various scenarios.

Date	2 May 2023
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Ambrish Chandra (Supervisor) & Innocent Kamwa (Co-supervisor)