Dual-decomposition-based Peer-to-peer Voltage Control for Distribution Networks

The increasing penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) creates new voltage issues in distribution networks. This paper proposes an algorithm that mitigates these issues, by actively managing the active and reactive power of those DERs. The control problem is formulated as an optimization problem. The paper proposes solving the problem in a fully distributed manner and presents a methodology to convert a centralized constraint optimization problem into a fully distributed constraint optimization problem based on dual decomposition, linearized model of the distribution network and peer-to-peer communication protocol. A real low voltage residential semiurban feeder from the region of Flanders (Belgium) has been used as a case study. The simulation results show the ability of the proposed peer-to-peer control algorithm to control the voltage effectively within limits.