Modelling and optimization of voltage control by smart inverter functions in the hosting capacity problem

• Grant number: 25/06788-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Power Systems
• Principal Investigator: Joao Bosco Augusto London Junior
• Grantee: Cristhian Gabriel da Rosa de Oliveira
• Supervisor: David Macii
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitá degli Studi di Trento, Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/17868-5 - Analysis of the feasibility of connection of Distributed Generation, Operation and Control in Distribution Networks, BP.MS

Abstract

Increased distributed generation (DG), particularly photovoltaic (PV) systems, into existing distribution systems (DS) present several challenges for voltage control and overall system reliability. Traditional voltage control methods struggle with managing the high dynamic rates caused by renewable sources. Smart inverter functions (SIF) are appealing as they provide fast, stand-alone control functionality that enhances network robustness and increases Hosting Capacity. However, accurately and efficiently modeling these devices and their operation in DS, especially three-phase modeling, is still a research gap. Most existing approaches simplify the representation of PV systems and their controls, typically treating them as constant power injections, which can lead to inaccurate system performance predictions. On the other hand, an excessively detailed model may jeopardize the convergence of power flow algorithms and force the DS operator to provide a large amount of information that will not always be available. This can significantly increase the system database size and complexity, limiting its practical application. Therefore, there is a need for new power flow formulations that include smart inverter behavior. Thus, this project aims to develop a two-port, three-phase model for PV DG that allows the representation and action of SIF control on the power flow problem, balancing the model's detailing with the algorithm's efficiency. Also, it is proposed to investigate different control inclusion techniques on the power flow problem, considering coordination between classical control devices and modern controls, to obtain better convergence characteristics and increase computational efficiency, contributing to more effective integration of renewable energy in modern DSs.