See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/269301245

Voltage profile improvement in power systems - A review

Conference Paper · January 2014

DOI: 10.1109/ICAEE.2014.6838533

CITATIONS READS

5 1,134

2 authors:

J. Vanishree Ramesh V
VIT University VIT University
11 PUBLICATIONS   24 CITATIONS    39 PUBLICATIONS   327 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Intelligent Network Integration of DG View project

voltage profile improvement in power transmission systems View project

All content following this page was uploaded by J. Vanishree on 16 July 2018.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Voltage Profile Improvement in Power Systems – A
Review
J. Vanishree
School of Electrical Engineering
VIT University
Vellore, Tamilnadu
j.vanishree@vit.ac.in
Abstract—Voltage Stability is a severe problem in power
systems, which steadily reach operating limits imposed by
economic and environmental conditions. Whenever there is a
change in load the system voltage level changes. With the drop in
voltage level, the reactive power demand increases. If the reactive
power demand is not met, then it leads to further decline in bus
voltage resulting in the cascading effect on neighbouring regions.
Hence to maintain the voltage profile within permissible limits
becomes essential. This paper reviews various methods and
techniques with their advantages and limitations adopted to
retain the voltage level. The review presents sensitivity based
control strategies, Control based on structural characteristics of
power system, secondary voltage control strategies, design and
optimal placement of FACTS devices using various optimization
algorithms for VAR compensation.
Keywords— Voltage profile, Reactive power, Sensitivity Analysis,
FACTS, Secondary Voltage control.
I. INTRODUCTION
With the advent of the network and various conditions
under which they operate the reactive power and voltage
profile management becomes essential so as to ensure the
system security and to use the reactive sources in an optimal
way. System security is well ensured with the system of much
interconnections but this itself makes the system security more
complex with the view of voltage control. This interconnected
system operates in a different way with a point of reactive
power based on structure and the place at which the generators
are located. Hence it becomes difficult for the operators to find
the problems and their impact so as to take the necessary
actions. Based on economical and environmental limitations,
always the consumers are located far from the power stations.
It is also not possible to extend the network which results the
system to operate closer to the permissible limits. As a result,
reactive power and its corresponding voltage control has
become a critical factor which makes it essential to control.
Recently in this area, the way the capabilities are enhanced
with a better determination is shown [1][30][31].
The steps followed in achieving better voltage profile
control are: installation of OLTC transformers, inductor or
capacitor, indicators of voltage failure, control to optimize the
flow of power, automatic voltage regulator [1].
V. Ramesh
School of Electrical Engineering
VIT University
Vellore, Tamilnadu
vramesh@vit.ac.in
A. Different levels of voltage control:
There are various levels of voltage control such as primary,
secondary and tertiary. Primary level consists of generators
with automatic voltage regulators so as to safeguard during the
increase in its limits [25].
The important aim of control in secondary level is to have
a control over the voltage within the system. This involves in
transferring the centralized control to centre of control. Hence
by this means of control a perfect and an entire control and
coordination become possible which results in (i) strong
voltage profile (ii) better use of reactive resources.
The tertiary level control determines the optimal voltage
profile and coordinates the secondary controllers based on
economical and safety factor.
II. OPERATING MEASURES TO PREVENT VOLTAGE
COLLAPSE
System design and various operating measures adopted in
order to prevent voltage collapse are [21]
1) Application of the devices to compensate VAR
requirement.
2) System voltage control and control on VAR output of
the generators.
3) Managing the tap changing of the transformers.
4) To drop the load during under voltage.
5) Proper operation of protective devices and their control
III. CONTROL TECHNIQUES BASED ON SENSITIVITY
ANALYSIS
Mamandur et al., [27] developed a method so as to have
betterment in profile of voltage and to reduce the losses of the
system by having control on voltages of generators, on tap
settings of transformer, reactive power resources that are
adjustable [10]. The employed technique is based on linear
sensitivity relations in order to reduce losses of the network
and system performance sensitivity relating dependent and
control variable. Dual linear programming was used in the
determination of adjustment of control variables optimally as
well as to satisfy the constraint. In the initial iteration the size
of the step is not limited and was limited in the following
iterations [16]. The power flow calculation was performed
after every iteration.
An algorithm was proposed by Rama Iyer et al., [22] which
can reduce the losses in power as well as enhance the voltage .
Algorithm incorporates a method which ignores zigzagging
solution around the point that is optimal. In each iteration
power flow calculation was not included. Dependent variables
were eliminated by sensitivity matrix relying on equations of
load flow. In both the methods, it is needed either to obtain
complete inverse or to obtain partial inverse of Jacobian
matrix in order to find sensitivity matrix, thereby involving
more time particularly for bulk power systems [10].
A procedure was generated by Elangovan [28] to evaluate
line losses sensitivities based on variables such as voltages of
the generator, power reserve of VAR sources, setting on
transformer tap. Eigen vector of transposed Jacobian matrix
were used to generate the coefficient values. In this method
Jacobian matrix inverse is not needed but still this may not be
much easy since it increases the complexity of eigen vector
determination with the increase in size of the matrix.
Bijwe et al., [4] presented a control technique to improve
voltage profile by means of reducing sum of weighted voltage
deviation by first order gradient method. A model of constant
symmetric power flow expressed in rectangular co-ordinate
was used. Constant Jacobian matrix were used both in power
flow and in Lagrangian multiplier calculation using
optimization procedure. The highlights of this technique are (i)
Lagrangian multiplier estimation is highly easy and effective
(ii) constant Jacobian matrix is used in power flow as well as
in Lagrangian multiplier calculation. (iii) calculation of trivial
bus power during iteration of power flow since Jacobian is
featured with voltage variations.
Singh and Raju [18] evolved a system which is expertized
in controlling the voltage. The procedure of control is based
upon the control bus sensitivity with reference to the bus
violating the limits and the margin of control. When this
method was compared with decentralized method it is
revealed that this technique is with higher accuracy and
involves few remedial steps of voltage control when
considered with decentralized technique .
Hong and Yang presented an expertise method for
improvement in voltage during low severe contingency and to
undertake the relevant steps so as to avoid collapse of the
system when accounted with high contingencies. The
sensitivity for a load voltage change to a variation of the On-
Load Tap Changer (OLTC) tap is used to verify the
requirement of locking OLTC taps for operators. A new model
incorporating variables for both voltage and active power, for
generator reactive power limit was presented for voltage
stability studies [20].
Aghamohammadi et al., [7] proposed a neural network
based methodology for online assessment and for improving
the margin of voltage stability at a greater speed. Voltage
Stability Assessment Neural Network (VSANN) works to
estimate the Voltage Stability Margin (VSM) online and to
enhance it. VSANN input pattern consists of voltage profile of
the network measured by phasor measurement unit. The
highlighting aspects are its ability for VSM analysis based on
sensitivity relying upon voltage of the bus and VAR
compensators. For a given instant VSM can be calculated
directly from the knowledge of voltages of buses is the
important merit of this method. Hence variation in system
topology resulting from outage does not have any effect on
VSANN performance.
Kulprakash et al., [13] focuses on improving voltage by
compensating the VAR requirement on the basis of deviation
of voltage of the bus and based on comparative study done
between theoretical and actual VAR value. The stability
analysis was also done using different indices such as Novel
Line Stability Index (NLSI), Fast Voltage Stability Index
(FVSI) and Line Quality Factor (LQF) which are more
capable to identify margin of system stability.
IV. CONTROL TECHNIQUES BASED ON STRUCTURAL
CHARACTERISTICS OF POWER SYSTEM
Most of the problems being faced in power systems can
be well solved with an idea of structural relations on various
parameters.
Tajudeen et al., [12] have founded the characteristic
indices based on inherent structure using partitioned Y-
admittance matrix. Ideal generators, affinity of generator and
effect of structure on generator and load electrical attraction
regions have contributed for the indices. With the indices
obtained the task of determination of the location of the new
generator is simplified and the location thus determined is also
unique. This location is related to generator which is weakest
and having greater electrical distance when referred with
generators and are with greatest potential in injecting real
power in system.
Tajudeen et al., [5] demonstrated improvement of voltage
profile by applying concept of circuit theory and by Y-
admittance partition on networks. Eigen value decomposition
and partitioned Y-admittance matrix identify the location for
VAR compensators. Buses associated with smallest eigen
value have dominant influence on entire voltage of network on
the basis of inversely proportional relation existing between
bus voltage and eigen values. This reveals the highly suitable
locations for allocating VAR compensators since these buses
are those which have greater electrical distance from
generators. State variables of VAR compensators are consisted
in load flow techniques and hence power flow solution can be
used to determine the appropriate compensators sizes.
V. CONTROL TECHNIQUES BASED ON SECONDARY
VOLTAGE CONTROL
Dragan [2] attempted secondary voltage control during
instability due to voltage based on earlier results in that area.
Initially the investigations of primary, decentralized and
centralized secondary voltage control at load level for critical
system during instability due to voltage is performed. Results
reveal that a better stability margin is achieved when SVC is
activated on AVRs rather than with primary voltage control
implementation. If the voltage instability is already initiated
pilot bus voltage control is not effective. Two possible
Centralized Secondary Voltage Control (CSVC) emergency
modes were considered. In first approach, three steps of
regulation was used to change the set points of generator
automatic voltage regulator where each step is of eight
seconds resulting in early damping of oscillation. On the other
hand, generator automatic voltage regulator set points were
done in five steps of smaller size.
Dragan [8] investigated possibility of increasing stability
margins through co-ordination of Automatic Secondary
Voltage Control and adaptive parameter change in power
system stabilizer. The loops of control such as Automatic
Secondary Voltage control and power system stabilizer affect
same parameter on various grounds and thus affected one is
setpoint of AVR. Within a few series of regulation steps
automatic secondary voltage control causes system to reach
steady state with better margin of stability. Alternatively, by
means of power system stabilizer parameter adaptive resetting,
system performance was changed with increased margin of
stability within existing steady state. Hence these two loops of
control ensure margin of stability in larger system.
Shenghu Li et al., [14] proposed model based on
sensitivity for economical dispatch of VAR so as to retain
SVC VAR reserve as well as to maintain the voltage profile at
the desirable level. Reference voltage, static voltage
characteristic of system, margin of control, slopes are the
factors determining the Static VAR Compensator capability of
control. Critical Static VAR Compensator is identified by
susceptance increment during compensation and it is that
device which is not within the limits of control and this
coordinates the SVC output at diverse locations.
Gehao Sheng et al., [17] presented a method to implement
and co-ordinate SVR system relying on multi-agent theory.
Every controller is defined as the controlling agent and the
method well uses primary voltage controller to retain voltage
under general and rescue operation. The highlight of this
method is its capability to perform under contingency.
Rui Jovita et al., [15] presented a method involving Joint
Voltage Control and line drop compensation that is capable in
controlling the voltage at a location which is farthest from
power station. The highlights are requirement of a device for
communication during perturbation only and quicker response.
Secondary voltage control reference is automatically defined
for the next time without the concern of the operator.
VI. MODELLING AND OPTIMAL PLACEMENT OF FACTS
DEVICES FOR VAR COMPENSATION
Laszlo Gyugyi described the way controllable
synchronous voltage sources were used in transmission power
flow and as dynamic compensators. On comparing this
implementation with conventional methods, it shows a better
characteristic performance and its ability for angle control and
voltage impedance in transmission systems [9]. In addition it
is capable of having an independent control on VAR
compensators along with direct active power exchange with
AC system. Hence providing an effective response for various
dynamic disturbance [24].
Preecha Preedavichit et al., [3] have considered the
settings of FACTS devices as one of the controlling
parameters while formulating for the dispatch of reactive
power optimally. The effect of this method on minimization of
system losses was analysed. Formulation involves static
models of Static Var Compensator (SVC), Thyristor
Controlled Phase Angle Regulator (TCPAR), Thyristor
Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC). Optimal location for
FACTS devices are obtained using sensitivity indices
presented. Formulation of optimal reactive power dispatch
problem with FACTS devices result in much more reduction
in real power loss when compared with conventional methods.
Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch (ORPD) with FACTS
formulation enhances the voltage along with minimization of
real power losses.
Prada et al., [6] have addressed the inverse relation
between magnitude of voltage and VAR in buses with control
on voltage and their resultant leading to voltage collapse. This
is verified by an index det D´ for a given point of operation.
This relation is verified for all optimal power flow scenarios
once after siting and sizing of VAR resources were finalized.
Result thus obtained is acceptable if all D´ > 0, else a
constraint is included new in the OPF problem. Critical
voltage from Qg-V is added to have proper voltage control and
the problem is proceeded to obtain a new solution.
Saeidpour et al., [19] have studied by means of fuzzy
controller design STATCOM control so as to promote the
voltage profile. The classic methods were not preferred due to
inherent time delay. Fuzzy controller particularly aimed at
compensation due to its steady and faster result for alteration
in voltage. The design is achieved using genetic algorithm and
is named as complete, simultaneous and continuous design of
control system.
Arun Bhaskar et al., [26] have shown the modeling of
FACTS devices such as SVC, TCSC and TCPST [23] and the
way they enhance voltage profile.
Jizhong Zhu et al., [11] reported the way to involve
coordinated SVC in the problem of optimal VAR dispatch and
have analysed its effect in reduction of losses of system and in
improvement of voltage profile. Co-ordinated SVC is capable
of controlling local and remote devices at the same instant.
VAR control and voltage control are the two operational
modes. An index of performace inorder to obtain effectiveness
in VAR optimization along with co-ordinated SVC over
reduction of losses and improvement of voltage was shown.
Bharat Thapa et al., [29] analysed the STATCOM effects
on the voltage profile, on active –reactive power of different
buses before and after the occurrence of the fault in the power
system.
VII. CONCLUSION
Based on the review it is observed that various
methodologies used are the methods branching based on
techniques like Sensitivity analysis, Secondary voltage
control, evaluation of Voltage stability indices based on
network structural characteristics and placement of VAR
compensators at suitable locations. The review of the paper
has given an insight of various problems being faced due to
lack of voltage control in Power systems and their solutions
for a better Voltage-VAR balance for a reliable operation of
the system.
REFERENCES
[1] H.Vu, P.Pruvot, C. Launay, Y. Harmand,”An improved voltage control
on Large-Scale Power system”,IEEE Transactions on Power Systems,
Vol.11, No.3, August 1996.
[2] Dragan s. Popovic, “ Impact of Secondary Voltage Control on Voltage
Stability”, Electric Power Systems Research, 40, pp. 51-62, 1997.
[3] Preecha Preedavichit , S.C. Srivastava , “Optimal reactive power
dispatch considering FACTS devices”, Electric Power Systems
Research, 46 , pp. 251–257, 1998.
[4] P.R.Bijwe, D. P. Kothari, J. Nanda and K. S. Lingamurthy, “Optimal
voltage control using a constant sensitivity matrix”,Electric Power
Systems Research, 11, pp 195-203, 1986.
[5] Tajudeen H. Sikiru, Adisa A. Jimoh, Yskandar Hamam, John T. Agee
and Roger Ceschi, “ Voltage profile improvement based on network
structural characteristics”, IEEE transactions on power systems, 2012.
[6] R.B. Prada, L. J. Souza, L. A. P. Sousa, “ The need for a new constraint
on Voltage/reactive power studies to ensure proper voltage control”,
Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 24, pp. 535-540, 2002.
[7] M. R. Aghamohammadi, S. Hashemi and M. S. Ghazizadeh,” A novel
approach for improving voltage stability margin by sensitivity analysis
of neural network”, Proceedings of IPEC, pp. 280-286, October 2010
[8] Dragan S. Popovic, “Real-time coordination of Secondary Voltage
Control and Power System Stabilizer”, Electrical Power and Energy
Systems, 24, pp. 405-413, 2002.
[9] www.standards.ieee.org
[10] J. Qiu S.M. Shahidehpour “A new approach for minimizing powr losses
and improving voltage profile”, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems,
Vol. PWRS-2, No. 2, May 1987
[11] Jizhong Zhu, Kwok Cheung, Davis Hwang, and Ali Sadjadpour,
“Operation Strategy for Improving Voltage Profile and Reducing
System Loss”,IEEE Transations on Power Delivery, Vol. 25, No. 1, pp.
390-397, January 2010.
[12] Tajudeen H. Sikiru , Adisa A. Jimoh, John T. Agee,” Inherent structural
characteristic indices of power system networks”, Electrical Power and
Energy Systems 47 pp 218–224, December 2013
[13] Kulprakash Kumar Singh, Rajeev Kumar and R.C.Jha, “Improvement of
Voltage Profile in Smart Grid Using Voltage Sensitivity Approach”,
IEEE 2012.
[14] Shenghu Li, Ming Ding, jingjing Wang, Wei Zhang, “Voltage Control
capability of SVC with var dispatch and slope setting”, Electric Power
Systems Research, 79, pp. 818-825, 2009.
[15] Rui Jovita G. C. da Silva, A. C. Zambroni de Souza, Rafael C. Leme,
Dabit Sonoda, “Decentralized Secondary Voltage control using voltage
View publication stats
drop comensator among power plants”, Electrical Power and Energy
Systems, 47, pp. 61-68, 2013.
[16] S.M.Shahidehpour and N. I. Deeb, “An overview of the reactive power
allocation in Electric Power systems”, Electric Machines & Power
Systems , Volume 18, Issue 6, pp. 495-518, 1990
[17] Gehao Sheng, Xiuchen Jiang, Dapeng Duan, Guangyu Tu, “Framework
and implementation of Secondary Voltage regulation strategy based on
multi-agent technology”, Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 31, pp.
67-77, 2009.
[18] S. P. Singh and G. S. Raju, “Sensitivity based expert system for voltage
control in power system”, Electrical and power and Energy Systems,
Vol. 15, No. 3, pp 131-136, october 1993.
[19] E.Saeidpour, V.S. Parizy, M. Abedi, H. Rastegar, “Complete, Integrated
and Simultaneously Design for STATCOM Fuzzy Controller with
Variable Length Genetic algorithm for Voltage Profile Improvement”,
IEEE 2008.
[20] www.tomsovic.eecs.wsu.edu
[21] S. D. Naik, M.K. Khedkar and S. S. Bhat, “ Improvement of voltage
stability by OLTC and shunt compensation in large multibus power
system”, proceedings of ICIEA, pp. 264-269, July 2012
[22] S. Rama Iyer, K. Ramachandran, S. Hariharan, “ Optimal capacitor
allocation in power systems”, Computers & Electrical Engineering Vol.
10, No. 4, pp. 247-258, 1983.
[23] Idris, R. Mohamad; A. Khairuddin, M. W. Mustafa, A. Kalam, “Optimal
allocation of multi-type FACTS devices using bees algorithm for ATC
enhancement in deregulated power system”, International Review of
Electrical Engineering, Part B, Vol. 5 Issue 2, p. 644, March 2010
[24] Y. Hoseynpoor, T. PirzadehAshraf, Sh. Sajedi, T. Karimi, “Using SVC
for Reactive Power Provision in Restructured Reactive Power Market”,
Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(6): pp. 996-1010,
2011. ISSN 1991-8178
[25] F.A.B. Lemos, L. C. Werberich, J. S. Freitas and M. A. da Rosa, “A
Strategic for Voltage Coordinated Control to Improve System
Operation”, Proceedings of Power Tech, vol. 2, September 2001
[26] M.Arun Bhaskar, C.Subramani, M. Jagdeesh kumar, S. S. Dash,
“Voltage profile improvement using FACTS devices: A comparison
between SVC, TCSC and TCPST”, International conference on
advances in recent technologies in communication and computing, pp.
890-892, 2009.
[27] K.R.C. Mamandur and R.D. Chenoweth, "Optimal Control of Reactive
Power Flow for Improvements in Voltage Profiles and for Real Power
Losses Minimization", IEEE Trans. P.A.S., Vol. 100, No. 7, pp. 3185-
3193, July 1981.
[28] S. Elangovan, "New Approach for Real Power Loss Minimization",
IEEE Proceedings, Vol. 130, Pt.c, No. 6, , pp 295-299, November 1983.
[29] Bharat Thapa, T. Murali Mohan, “Analysis of Controller Effects of
STATCOM on Power System during the Fault Condition”, Vol.2 issue
8, IJAIR 2013.
[30] M. Ilic, X. Liu, G. h u n g , M. Athans, C. Vialas, P. Pruvot, "Improved
Secondary and New Tertiary Voltage Control", IEEE PES WM 137-0
PWRS, 1995
[31] F. Meslier, "Voltage and reactive power control," paper presented in the
name of Task Force 39.02, CIGRE 1992.