In a significant advancement for the energy sector, researchers have developed a new method for online voltage regulation in distribution grids, which are increasingly challenged by the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels and wind turbines. This research, led by Hamad Alduaij from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University, addresses the complexities of managing power flow in grids that have transitioned from passive systems to dynamic networks, where individual customers can act as power generators.
As the grid evolves, the two-way power flow can lead to voltage instability and outages. Traditional control methods often rely on extensive system knowledge, which is difficult to obtain in real-world settings. Alduaij and his team propose a novel approach that minimizes system disturbances while still ensuring robust voltage control. The key innovation involves reducing the frequency of perturbations used to learn about the grid’s behavior, thereby decreasing the risk of outages caused by excessive disruptions.
Alduaij explained, “We superposed the design with a physical kernel to embed system non-linearity from power flow equations,” which allows for a more accurate representation of the grid’s dynamics. This method leads to what the researchers describe as a “highly robust adaptive online policy,” which gradually reduces perturbations while maintaining optimal control guarantees.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector. Improved voltage control with limited disturbances can enhance the reliability of distribution systems, making them more resilient to fluctuations caused by renewable energy sources. This is particularly important as more utilities and businesses invest in DERs, thus increasing the need for effective management systems that can handle the complexities of modern energy distribution.
The study was validated using various IEEE test systems, demonstrating that the new control method significantly outperforms existing data-driven approaches in terms of voltage regulation with minimal disturbance. This advancement not only promises improved grid stability but also opens up commercial opportunities for technology providers focused on smart grid solutions.
Published in the ‘IEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy,’ this research marks a critical step towards more effective and reliable energy distribution systems in an era where sustainability and resilience are paramount.
