Optimal Placement and Sizing of Active In-Line Voltage Regulators in Flemish LV Distribution Grids

Over the past few years, both the integration of small-scale embedded generators and the electric power consumption have been increased rapidly in the low-voltage (LV) distribution networks. These two trends are likely to result in a number of power quality issues such as voltage rise/drop and voltage unbalance. Regarding the mitigation of the voltage rise/drop effects, several utilities have already implemented the application of on-load tap changer (OLTC) in secondary distribution transformers. However, the voltage control via OLTC transformers might be infeasible in the case of radial feeders with both large number of branches and long distribution lines. This paper evaluates the performance of active in-line voltage regulators (IVRs) in LV grids. The study also investigates the optimal placement and sizing of active IVRs in Flemish LV networks. Concerning the OLTC control of the IVRs, an algorithm from a previous work is used. Finally, the influence on various power quality metrics is tested, when IVRs are incorporated into the system.