Linear Least-Squares Method for Conservation Voltage Reduction in Distribution Systems With Photovoltaic Inverters

Considering photovoltaic inverters (PVs) as controllable VAr sources pave the way for an effective implementation of conservation voltage reduction (CVR) in distribution systems with multiple voltage regulating devices, this paper proposes some acceptable approximations to formulate a linear least-squares problem for optimizing a CVR implementation on the smart grid platform. The optimization problem is solved by using a built-in solver of the MATLAB software embedded in an iterative-based algorithm. The proposed algorithm is well verified by comparing its generated result with a trustful solution obtained from examining all possibly coordinating combinations of voltage regulating devices and PVs in the simplified Maehongson test system in Thailand. Effectiveness of the algorithm is also illustrated on that test system with a consideration of time-variant load and PV generation. All revealed features exhibit the high ability of applying the proposed method for implementing a closed-loop CVR functionality in distribution systems.