Utilization of Low Voltage In-Line Power Regulator for reliable integration & performance of DER technologies

The increasing penetration of DER technologies is accompanied with challenges associated with changing system operation characteristics. Some of these challenges include load voltage regulation, reverse power flow issues, volt/VAR optimization and optimal use of sub-transmission and distribution facilities to reliably operate the system. This paper discusses the concept of a Low Voltage In-Line Power Regulator (LV-IPR) as a means to provide the necessary load voltage regulation and reactive compensation (under bi-directional power flow conditions) for reliable integration of DER technologies. A simplified dynamic model for the LV-IPR has been developed for the purposes of sub-transmission system studies and benchmarked with the detailed model. The performance of the LV-IPR has been evaluated on a sample utility distribution feeder in terms of its ability to provide load voltage regulation, reactive compensation and enhanced reliability for distributed PV integration. Finally, the capability of the LV-IPR to ensure no interference with the conventional protection schemes on the distribution system has also been established.