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The aim of this paper was to develop a multi-area decentralized controller for improving the voltage profile of large active distribution networks. Voltages at control buses of each area are kept as close as possible to their reference values by managing the reactive power of distributed generators within the same areas. Moreover, in order to avoid exchanging a considerable amount of data on more or less large portions of the network, the proposed methodology adopted an equivalent reduced network for each area. This equivalent network model is seen at control buses and nodes where distributed generation units are connected. With this simplification, each area controller will have to evaluate simultaneously, the unknown parameters of the reduced network and the optimal control laws for the voltage profile optimization of its control area. To comply with this exigency, a multi-objective optimization problem was formulated. The solution of this problem formulation was found by adopting an algorithm operating in the continuous time domain. Test results are provided on a 49-bus distribution network, demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a decentralized controller to coordinate the reactive power injections of PV generators in order to contribute to the voltage regulation in distribution networks. The control actions are evaluated in the real time by adopting an optimization methodology involving the sensitivity applied to the Lyapunov function. By this approach it is possible to derive an auto-adaptive algorithm that can be implemented on actual distribution network without implying additional costs for infrastructures. Computer simulations have been performed on a MV distribution system to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme at different operating conditions and to confirm its ability to work in the real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a decentralized nonlinear autoadaptive controller for reducing system losses by the optimal management of the reactive power supplied by the inverters of photovoltaic (PV) units. This ancillary service can be furnished on the base of standard needs or on voluntary basis. The control design is based on an optimization procedure involving the sensitivity theory in conjunction with the Lyapunov function and provides control laws acting as references of the PV inverter local controller. PV inverters must operate in a decoupled manner in order to provide the reactive power imposed by the control law and to transfer the active power produced by PV modules. The experiences and results conducted in an indoor laboratory as well as on an actual distribution network managed by ENEL Distribuzione S.p.A. demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing system losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]