Novel Reactive Power Control Strategy for Mitigating Voltage Rise in the Malaysian Low Voltage Distribution Network with High PV Penetration

Integrating renewable energy sources and distributed energy resources (DERs) in the Malaysian low voltage distribution network has introduced voltage stability challenges, particularly voltage rises, leading to detrimental impacts on network performance. This paper presents a novel reactive power control strategy for addressing these challenges. Unlike conventional methods with fixed reactive power references, the proposed technique dynamically adjusts the reactive power reference in real time, considering voltage and active power injection. It calculates the rate of change in reactive power reference (ΔQ) per second by analyzing Volt-VAR and Watt-VAR components and updates the reference accordingly. Simulations conducted on a low voltage distribution network in Taman Impian Putra, Malaysia, showcase the adverse effects of high photovoltaic (PV) penetration on voltage stability and highlight the success of the proposed strategy in mitigating voltage rise. The technique effectively reduces average voltage, maintains voltage regulation during high sun irradiance and low load demand periods, and surpasses the adaptability of existing methods dependent on PV active injection or network voltage alone. The proposed strategy ensures accurate control and efficiently addresses dynamic network changes by accounting for both PV active power injection and network voltage. This approach offers enhanced voltage regulation, adaptability to varying network conditions, and reduced losses, making it a promising solution for mitigating voltage rise in the Malaysian low voltage distribution network. The simulations, validated using MATLAB Simulation and OpenDSS, confirm the strategy’s efficacy and potential for real-world implementation.