Multi-agent based distributed voltage regulation scheme with grid-tied inverters in active distribution networks

Due to the increasing penetration of distributed generation, large voltage fluctuations are becoming a problem to the distribution network operators. In this paper, the voltage problem is mitigated using smart grid technologies. A multi-step distributed voltage control method is proposed that utilizes the coordination of reactive power control (RPC) and active power curtailment (APC) methods of inverters, while using node voltages, loading and photo voltaic distributed generation (PVDG) output power as the decision making entities. Multi-agent system (MAS) is utilized to keep the method fully distributed and autonomous, in order to improve the latency of response to voltage violations. The proposed scheme incorporates the least data for voltage control strategies. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is authenticated through numerical simulations on a typical Finnish medium voltage distribution system. The results show that the proposed MAS based coordinated RPC and APC of inverters will keep the voltage value of nodes within the statutory limit, with least curtailment possible.