Future distribution networks (DN) are subject to rapid load changes and high penetration of variable distributed energy resources (DER). Due to this, the DN operators face several operational challenges, especially voltage violations. Optimal power flow (OPF)-based reactive power control (RPC) from the smart converter (SC) is one of the viable solutions to address such violations. However, sufficient communication and monitoring infrastructures are not available for OPF-based RPC. With the development of the latest information communication technology in SC, cyber-physical co-simulation (CPCS) has been extensively used for real-time monitoring and control. Moreover, deploying OPF-based RPC using CPCS considering the controller design of SC for a realistic DN is still a big challenge. Hence, this paper aims to mitigate voltage violations by using OPF-based RPC in a real-time CPCS framework with multiple SCs in a realistic DN. The OPF-based RPC is achieved by performing the CPCS framework developed in this study. The CIGRE medium-voltage DN is considered as a test system. Real-time optimization and signal processing are achieved by Python-based programs using a model-based toolchain of a real-time DN solver and simulator. Real-time simulation studies showed that the proposed method is capable of handling uncertain voltage violations in real time.

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The increasing integration of distributed energy resources such as photovoltaic (PV) systems into distribution networks introduces intermittent and variable power, leading to high voltage fluctuations. High PV integration can also result in increased terminal voltage of the network during periods of high PV generation and low load consumption. These problems can be solved by optimal utilization of the reactive power capability of a smart inverter. However, solving the optimization problem using a detailed mathematical model of the distribution network may be time-consuming. Due to this, the optimization process may not be fast enough to incorporate this rapid fluctuation when implemented in real-time optimization. To address these issues, this paper proposes a co-simulation-based optimization approach for optimal reactive power control in smart inverters. By utilizing co-simulation, the need for detailed mathematical modeling of the power flow equation of the distribution network in the optimization model is eliminated, thereby enabling faster optimization. This paper compares three optimization algorithms (improved harmony search, simplicial homology global optimization, and differential evolution) using models developed in OpenDSS and DigSilent PowerFactory. The results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed co-simulation-based optimization for obtaining optimal setpoints for reactive power control, minimizing total power loss in distribution networks with high PV integration. This research paper contributes to efficient and practical solutions for modeling optimal control problems in future distribution networks.

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With the rise of the integration of renewable energy sources, the operating characteristics of existing electric power distribution systems are evolving and changing. As a result, the digitalisation of the distribution network is gaining attention for effective real-time monitoring and control. Cyber-Physical cosimulation is one of the options for implementing and testing novel concepts and ideas before actual implementation on the distribution network. Therefore, this paper presents some experiences on the cyber-physical testbed in the distribution network. Moreover, the methodology, possible challenges and mitigation techniques are also presented for a cyber-physical cosimulation testbed of optimal reactive power control in smarter distribution network (SDN). The cyber-physical co-simulation testbed is analysed using a Typhoon HIL 604 and OpenDSS on a CIGRE MV distribution.@en

With the rise of integration of renewable energy sources, existing electric power distribution networks are facing a variety of technical obstacles, one of which is modelling of the distribution networks for real-Time network monitoring and control. This research designs and analyzes a novel cyber-physical test system for real-Time reactive power compensation from smart inverters in the active distribution network using cyber-physical co-simulation between the Typhoon HIL and OpenDSS. The testbed is a two-layer system, with a physical and cybernetic layer. The physical layer is represented by Typhoon HIL 604 and the cybernetic layer is represented by software from Typhoon HIL, OpenDSS, and Python. The cybernetic layer is used to model, design, and control the reactive power from the smart inverter in real-Time. The distribution network considered is a CIGRE MV distribution network. Real-Time simulation results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed test platform in real-Time reactive power control.

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Existing electric power distribution systems are evolving and changing as a result of the high renewable energy sources integration. Hence, future smart distribution networks will involve various technical challenges; one of them is real-time monitoring and controlling the network to operate it effectively and efficiently. This paper develops and analyzes a cyber-physical co-simulation testbed for real-time reactive power control in the smart distribution network. The testbed is a two-layer system, with Typhoon HIL 604 representing the physical layer and the other layer as a cybernetic layer. The cybernetic layer is used to model a test system and control reactive power from smart inverters in real-time. The implementation of real-time reactive power control of smart inverters on a CIGRE MV distribution network is shown in this study. The proposed testbed's usefulness in real-time reactive power control is demonstrated through simulation results.@en