Experimental sensitivity analysis of low voltage control strategies on communication properties

Abstract

After the successful implementation of first smart grid solutions in the low voltage grids (like dynamic tap-changer switching or solar inverters' reactive and active power adaptation), the evaluation of their performance is of high interest. Due to the nature of the communication systems (e.g. narrow-band power-line communication), i.e. its highly varying message delay and potential packet loss, significant effects on distributed control systems can be expected. In this paper, we present an evaluation of the influence of varying communication channel parameters and the sensitivity of voltage control in distribution grids. Five test cases, together with a reference scenario are evaluated in co-simulation of a rural low voltage grid with high penetration of renewable energy resources. The sensitivity of the control system is assessed with a focus on EN50160 limitations. As results, insights on the sensitivity of novel low voltage grid control strategies are presented and recommendations for controller limit settings are given.