International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 3, Issue 6, June-2012 1

ISSN 2229-5518

Coordinated Voltage Control with

Reactive Power of the Distributed
Generators using Genetic Algorithm
R.Shivarudraswamy, D, N.Gaonkar

Abstract— This paper presents a genetic algorithm-based method to determine coordinated voltage control in the
unbalanced distribution radial system distributed generators. The coordinated voltage control has been done with DGs
reactive power control and OLTC operation. The result indicates that involving DGs reactive powers in the voltage
control will result in a reduction of number of OLTC operations and the reduction of the voltage level in the distribution
system. Further, the results also indicate that the from the coordinated voltage control, the losses can be decreased.

Index Terms— Distributed Generators, Distributed System, Genetic Algorithm, Reactive Power, Voltage Control, Voltage
Regulator.

————————————————————
efficient and sustainable methods of power
I. INTRODUCTION generation. Micro turbine and fuel cells comes into

Distributed Generator can be referred as small

generating unit connected to the distribution
network, which was not centrally planned and
dispatched. Set of such generators can be called as
this category. There are more DG technologies like
Distributed generation (DG). The main reason for
tidal energy, geothermal energy. These are not
less generation by centrally located power plants is
popular as of now because of difficulty in
the time taken for installation of power plant. They
converting them to electrical power.
include higher level of pollution as thermal power In a radial distribution feeder, voltage decreases
plants have large share in conventional power
towards the end of the feeder, as loads cause a
generating units. Benefits of distributed generation voltage drop. However, it will be altered with the
include power quality and reliability, transmission
presence of DG. DG will increase the voltage at its
and distribution support, environmental
connection point, which in turn will increase the
performance, energy price risk management and voltage profile along the feeder [2]-[4]. This
some localized economic benefits [1].
increase may exceed the maximum allowed
voltage when the DG power is high. One way to
R. Shivarudraswamy, is a research scholar in the department of
Electrical and Electronics Engineering, National Institute of mitigate this overvoltage is when DG absorbs
Technology Karnataka Surathkal, Mangalore-575025 Karnataka, reactive power from the grid. This method is
India,PH 08242474000(e-mail: swamysrs@ rediffmail.com). effective for mitigation of overvoltage-caused DG
D. N. Gaonkar is with department of Electrical and Electronics in low voltage (LV) feeders where the mean of
Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka
voltage control is obtained from an off-load tap
Surathkal, Mangalore-575025 Karnataka, India,08242474000 ext
3457 (e-mail: [email protected]). changer. However, if DG absorbs reactive power,
feeder losses will increase.
Voltage control is one of the important control
DG mainly tries to extract clean energy from scheme at a distribution substation, which
natural resources which are renewable sources of conventionally involves regulation of voltage and
energy. Photovoltaic and hydro generations are reactive power at substation bus [5], [6]. The
some examples of this kind. Often DG uses energy voltage control can be achieved by using voltage
regulators. In this paper, it is analyzed the impacts

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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 3, Issue 6, June-2012 2
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of distributed generators on the voltage profiles of performing to generate new populations

distribution systems. To regulate voltages, (offspring), and the chromosomes of the new
suggested to use OLTC & DGs reactive powers in populations are evaluated via the value of the
distributed systems for controlling the voltage. In fitness witch is related to cost function. Based on
this effort Genetic algorithm is used for optimal these genetic operators and the evaluations, the
setting of On load tap changing better new populations of candidate solution are
transformer(OLTC) and DGs reactive powers and formed [10].
it is simulated to verify on 3 phase 25 bus
unbalanced radial distribution feeders. With the above description, a simple genetic
algorithm is given as follow
2. GENETIC ALGORITHM 1. Generate randomly a population of binary string
2. Calculate the fitness for each string in the
Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are adaptive heuristic population
search algorithm based on the evolutionary ideas 3. Create offspring strings through reproduction,
of natural selection and genetics. As such they crossover and mutation operation.
represent an intelligent exploitation of a random 4. Evaluate the new strings and calculate the fitness
search used to solve optimization problems. for each string (chromosome).
Although randomized, GAs are by no means 5. If the search goal is achieved, or an allowable
random, instead they exploit historical information generation is attained, return the best
to direct the search into the region of better Chromosome as the solution otherwise go to step
performance within the search space [9]. The basic 3.
techniques of the GAs are designed to simulate
processes in natural systems necessary for 3. RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS
evolution. In nature, competition among
individuals for scanty resources results in the 3 phase 25 bus radial unbalanced systems is given
fittest individuals dominating over the weaker in fig 1 ,the line and load data is taken from[11]
ones. ,the base MVA is 30 MVA, base kV is 4.16 kV and
5 DGs are connected with P=0.06 p.u & Q=0.027 p.u
GAs do not require linearity, continuity, or at 5th,12th,15th, 18th & 22nd bus each. Only OLTC tap
differentiability of the objective function, nor do setting and DGs reactive powers are considered in
they need continuous variables. These two features this system genetic algorithm for the voltage
make GAs particularly effective in dealing with control. The upper and lower voltage limits are
discrete control devices such as tap changing 1.05 p.u & 0.95 p.u respectively and tap setting
transformers and with objectives such as minimal limits are ±10% are considered in this simulation.
number of control actions. A considerable The Genetic Algorithm parameter is given in Table
disadvantage of GAs is the amount of calculation 1.The 100% & 70% load is considered for the
time involved that increases exponentially with the simulation.
number of independent variables. Several GA
applications on the voltage-reactive power The objective function of GA used for the study is
n
problem are known. Applications exist for
planning and optimal allocation of reactive power | Vmref Vm |
sources, as well as for voltage security m 1
enhancement by preventive control Vmref is m node voltage standard value
th

A simple Genetic Algorithm is an iterative Vm is m node voltage

th

procedure, which maintains a constant size Constraint conditions:

population P of candidate solutions. During each Node voltage: Vmin
Vi Vmax
iteration step (generation) three genetic operators
(reproduction, crossover, and mutation) are Reactive power of DG: Qmin Qi Qmax
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International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 3, Issue 6, June-2012 3
ISSN 2229-5518

Tap position: Tmin Ti Tmax 1.14

Phase A
Phase B
1.12 Phase C

1.1

Bus voltages in pu........>

1.08

1.06

1.04
TABLE 1
1.02

GENETIC ALGORITHM PARAMETERS

1

Generation 100 0.98

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Bus no..........>
Population 20
Selection Stochastic
Fig.2. Voltage profile without voltage control
Crossover Scattered
Mutation Adaptive feasible
1.06
Phase A
Phase B
Phase C
1.05
13
16
8
12 1.04
9 10 11
Bus voltage in p.u.....>

6 DG3 1.03
DG2
7 14 15
OLTC
1.02
17
DG1

2 3 4 5
1 1.01
Substation
23 24 25
1
18 19 20 21 22
DG5

DG4 0.99
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Bus number......>

Fig. 1 3 Phase 25 bus unbalanced radial distribution system

Fig. 3. Voltage profile with voltage control
3.1 Voltage control for 100% load:
Fig 2 shows that, the voltage profile for the 3 phase
25 bus unbalanced system with 100% load without
voltage control, when 5 DGs are connected to the
system. It can be seen that voltage profiles in all the
phases crossed the upper limit 1.05 p.u, the peak
voltage level can be seen at bus no 22nd, the peak
voltage level at phase A is 1.0817 p.u, at phase B is
1.112 p.u & at phase C is 1.0957 p.u, it has been
mitigated using the reactive powers of the DGs
and the OLTC tap settings. The fig 3 shows that,
the voltage profile for the system after voltage
control, the system voltage has been reduced

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below
Active Active Reactive Reactive upper
power power power power limit.
Phases
loss loss loss loss
The
before after before after
optim
voltage voltage voltage voltage
control control control control al
in p.u in p.u in p.u in p.u settin
Phase 0.0035 0.0031 0.0048 0.0044 g

A
Voltage OLTC Reactive power of
regulati
Phase 0.0034 0.0030 0.0048 DG
0.0044
1

ng
B
devices Phases Phases
Phase 0.0034 0.0030 0.0048 0.044
a b c a b c
C
Setting 0.99 0.95 0.97 0.019 0.015 0.011
values Table 3
in p.u POWER LOSS AT 100% LOAD

values of the OLTC, DGs reactive power is given in

Table 2 and power loss of the system before and
after the voltage control is given in Table 3

TABL
Reactive power of DG2 Reactive power of DG3 E2
Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase
OPTI
a b c a b c MAL
SET
0.02 0.01 0.011 0.022 0.019 0.022 TING
VAL
UES
Reactive power of DG4 Reactive power of OF
VOL
DG5 TAG
Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase E
CON
a b c a b c TRO
0.010 0.014 0.014 0.008 0.011 0.01 LLIN
G
DEVI
CES AT 100% LOAD

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3.2. Voltage control for 70% load: Fig. 4.Voltage profile without voltage control

1.06
Phase A
Phase B
1.05 Phase C

1.04

Bus voltage in p.u.....>

1.03

Voltage OLTC Reactive power of 1.02

regulat DG1 1.01

ing
devices Phases Phases 1

a b c a b c 0.99

0.98
Setting 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Bus number......>
values
0.97 0.95 0.95 0.008 0.022 0.020
in pu Fig. 5.Voltage profile with voltage control

Fig(s) 3 & 4 shows that, the voltage profile for the

system with 70% load with and without voltage
Reactive power of DG2 Reactive power of DG3 control respectively. It can be seen that from the
figure 4, the voltage crossed the upper limit 1.05
Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase
p.u, after the DGs connected to the system. The
a b c a b c
peak voltage level is at 22nd bus, at phase A 1.086
0.008 0.012 0.017 0.008 0.018 0.016 p.u, at phase B 1.123 p.u, at phase C 1.102 p.u, It
has been reduced using the reactive powers of the
1.14
DGs and OLTC tap settings, the optimal setting
Phase A
Phase B values of the OLTC and DGs reactive powers are
1.12 Phase C
given in Table 4 and power losses before & after
1.1 the voltage control is given in Table 5
Bus voltages in pu........>

1.08 TABLE 4
1.06
OPTIMAL SETTING VALUES OF VOLTAGE
CONTROLLING DEVICES AT 70% LOAD
1.04

1.02

0.98
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Bus no..........>

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Reactive power of DG4 Reactive power of DG5 Network,” World Academy of Science, Engineering and
Technology journal,” vol 45, no.118, pp, 700-707, 2008
Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase Phase [4] J. Nanda, M. S. Srinivas, M. Sharma, S. S. Dey, and L. L.
Lai, “New Findings on Radial Distribution System
a b c a b c

0.0085 0.027 0.0085 0.0085 0.021 0.012 Active Active Reactive Reactive
power power power power
loss loss loss loss
phases before after before after
voltage voltage voltage voltage
control control control control
in p.u in p.u in p.u in p.u
Phase 0.0031 0.0027 0.0041 0.0037
A

Phase 0.0030 0.0026 0.0041 0.0037

B
TABLE 5
Phase 0.0030 0.0026 0.0041 0.037
POWER LOSS AT 70% LOAD
C
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4. CONCLUSION Winter Meeting, vol. 2, pp. 1157-1161, Jan 2000.
[5] A. G. Bhutad, S. V. Kulkami, and S. A. Khaparde, “Three
Phase Load Flow Methods for Radial Distribution
The developed method for coordinated voltage Networks," TENCON, pp. 781–785, vol.2, Bangalore,
control of distribution system interconnected with 2003.
distributed generators. This method used genetic [6] Ferry A. Viawan and Daniel Karlsson, “Coordinated
algorithm for optimization and backward forward voltage and Reactive Power Control in the Presence of
Distributed Generation,” Power and Energy Society
sweep method for load flows. This methodology
General meeting-Conversion and Delivary of Electrical
has been applied to 3 phase 25 bus unbalanced test Energy in 21st century, pp.1-6, 2008.
systems with two various load conditions. The [7] Tomonobu Senjyu,Yoshitaka Miyazat, Atsushi Yona,
OLTC and DGs reactive powers are used for Naomitsu Urasaki, Toshihisa Funabashi, “Optimal
voltage control, it can be observed from the results Distribution Voltage Control and Coordination with
Distributed Generation,” IEEE Trans. on Power Delivery,
obtained from simulation both voltage profile and
vol. 23, no. 2 pp 1236-1242, April 2008.
losses were improved in each case considered and [8] Masato, OshiroTanaka, Akie Uehara, Tomonobu Senju,
the no of operations of OLTC has been decreased Yoshitaja Miyazato, Atsushi Yona, Toshihisa
with DGs reactive power participation in voltage Funabashi, “Optimal Voltage Control Distribution
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[9] Yair Malachi and Sigmond Singer, “A Genetic Algorithm
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ISSN 2229-5518

Acta Electrotehnica the Directory of Open Access Journal,

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BIOGRAPHIES

R. Shivarudraswamy

is working as a Lecturer in the Department Electrical and

Electronics Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology
Manipal, Karnataka, India. He is currently a Ph. D.
student in the Department Electrical and Electronics
Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka
Surathkal. His main research interest is in the area of
distributed generation systems and distribution system
automation.

D. N. Gaonkar (M’ 09)

is working as a faculty in the Department of Electrical

Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka
Surathkal, India. He received his Ph.D. degree from
Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India in the year
2008. He was a visiting scholar at the University of
Saskatchewan Cananda. He has published many papers
in reputed international journals and conferences. His
main research interest is in the area of power system
operation and control, distributed generation systems and
power electronics.

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