A voltage optimization tool for smart distribution grids with distributed energy resources

Many benefits can derive by a massive integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into distribution system; in this view a big issue concerns the treatment of the high number of information needed for a full exploitation of DERs, which require new functionalities and tools for their management and control. A possible solution is to introduce virtual aggregations, such as load areas and virtual microgrid, which reduces the variables to be monitored and controlled by considering only the relevant information. With this aim two innovative modeling approaches have been recently proposed for the virtual aggregation of parts of a distribution system: the first one extends the concept of load areas (LAs) to identify structural characteristics of the network; the second one is a linearized model (LM) for distribution systems which is suitable for optimal management and control. In this paper, the two modeling approaches are combined to propose a new tool for optimal voltage regulation in radial distribution networks with DERs. The tool is able to reduce the complexity of the classical non linear voltage optimization problem guaranteeing high accuracy of the solution, as shown also in a case study.