Reactive Power Control for Smarter (Urban) Distribution Network Management With Increasing Integration of Renewable Prosumers

Smart cities need to deliver reliable electric energy while utilizing every renewable energy source available in a sustainable manner. Increasing renewable electricity capacity, through Distributed Generation (DG) such as small wind and PV generation, causes difficulties for the distribution network operator (DNO) in sustaining adequate and appropriate power quality across the network. The positive impacts provided by such energy sources can be undermined by voltage increases and voltage balance issues. To overcome these problems, urban distribution networks need to transform ideally into smarter energy networks that can deliver renewable electricity locally, predictably and in a controllable and optimized manner. The research presented here is based on electricity network simulation in an urban context. The main focus is the hosting capacity enhancement of distribution networks, while maintaining power quality, which is ultimately a pre-requisite for increasing prosumer engagement. In this regard, a test-bed representation of a 4-wire low-voltage section of distribution network in Dublin, Ireland is developed in DIgSILENT Power Factory. Several scenarios that consider increasing penetration of renewable prosumers in a smart electricity network context are presented. The results show that STATCOM, in the context of increasing DG integration, can provide continuous voltage support, by supplying or absorbing reactive power and thereby facilitating increased renewable DG contributions for a smarter, greener network.