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Optimal On-Load Tap Changer Tap Control Method for Voltage Compliance Rate Improvement in Distribution Systems, Based on Field Measurement Data

Author

Listed:
  • Hanmin Lim

    (Power Distribution Laboratory, KEPCO Research Institute, Daejeon 34056, Republic of Korea)

  • Jongmin Jo

    (Power Distribution Laboratory, KEPCO Research Institute, Daejeon 34056, Republic of Korea)

  • Kwan-Ho Chun

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

This paper proposes an optimal control method for the on-load tap changer (OLTC) of a substation’s main transformer (M.TR), to maximize the voltage compliance rate (VCR) in distribution system feeders. The conventional auto voltage regulator (AVR)’s line-drop compensation (LDC) control method struggles with accurately determining load centers and has limitations in managing voltage due to the variability of distributed energy resources (DERs). To address these challenges, this study defines sample number-based VCR (SNB-VCR) as the performance index function to be maximized. The optimal tap positions for the OLTC are obtained using the gradient ascent method. Since the SNB-VCR evaluates voltage compliance using 15 min interval data collected from all the load and DER connection points in the distribution system, the tap position obtained by the gradient ascent method maximizes voltage quality for every feeder included in the system. Using a simulation, it is verified that the proposed tap control method improves the overall voltage quality and reduces the occurrence of overvoltage or undervoltage compared to LDC control. The proposed control strategy offers a practical solution for enhancing voltage management efficiency in modern distribution systems, particularly those with high penetration of DERs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanmin Lim & Jongmin Jo & Kwan-Ho Chun, 2025. "Optimal On-Load Tap Changer Tap Control Method for Voltage Compliance Rate Improvement in Distribution Systems, Based on Field Measurement Data," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:439-:d:1571242
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kwang-Hoon Yoon & Joong-Woo Shin & Tea-Yang Nam & Jae-Chul Kim & Won-Sik Moon, 2022. "Operation Method of On-Load Tap Changer on Main Transformer Considering Reverse Power Flow in Distribution System Connected with High Penetration on Photovoltaic System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Hyun-ok Lee & Dae-Jin Kim & Chun-Sung Kim & Byungki Kim, 2023. "Optimal Voltage Control Method for a Step Voltage Regulator Considering the Under-Load Tap Changer in a Distribution System Interconnected with a Renewable Energy Source," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Yassir Maataoui & Hamid Chekenbah & Omar Boutfarjoute & Vicenç Puig & Rafik Lasri, 2023. "A Coordinated Voltage Regulation Algorithm of a Power Distribution Grid with Multiple Photovoltaic Distributed Generators Based on Active Power Curtailment and On-Line Tap Changer," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-17, July.
    4. Xuekai Hu & Shaobo Yang & Lei Wang & Zhengji Meng & Fengming Shi & Siyang Liao, 2024. "Evaluation Method for Voltage Regulation Range of Medium-Voltage Substations Based on OLTC Pre-Dispatch," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-21, September.
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