A novel electrical proximity index for voltage control in smart distribution system

In any power system the voltage profile is a crucial performance factor which must be contained in a specific tolerance range with respect to the nominal voltage value. This paper proposes a voltage control method for smart distribution system using a novel electrical proximity index. This index is independent of the system load dynamics. The method works on the electrical proximity of the control units, viz. distributed energy resources (DER) and flexible loads, from the point where voltage control needs to be incorporated. Depending on proximity of control units from the point of operation, the contribution of these units on voltage deviation are calculated for different time steps spanning over the day. The generation or demand of the control units, which are in close electrical proximity of the point of voltage deviation, are updated. Use of electrical proximity in choice of control units makes the control strategy faster and effective in controlling system voltage profile. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is demonstrated and evaluated for different types of distribution systems.