Investigation of alternative methods for distribution voltage control: Impact on maximum loadability

This paper reviews basic existing and alternative schemes for voltage and power factor control of bulk power delivery substations and compares the effectiveness of the different control methods in extending the loadability of a radial power system. Devices examined in different schemes include load tap changers (LTC), switched capacitor banks, Static Var Compensators (SVC) and StatCom. The possibility of controlling both the primary (transmission side) and secondary (distribution side) voltages is considered and is found to offer advantages when the control is introduced in the transmission side. Increased needs for reactive compensation can potentially be procured by devices with power electronic converters.