Voltage Support and Reactive Power Control

This lecture focuses on utilizing distributed energy resources (DERs) for voltage support and reactive power control in the distribution system. The instructor presents a scheme that enables coordination between transmission and distribution networks to take advantage of DER capabilities. The lecture discusses the use of local control techniques and a coordinator to manage reactive power, emphasizing robustness, responsiveness, and scalability. Various control schemes are explored, including local control, coordinator requests, and support for neighboring nodes. The lecture also covers simulations demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed schemes in maintaining voltage levels and optimizing reactive power exchange. The concept of a model-free coordinator is introduced to facilitate communication and decision-making among DERs, ensuring efficient participation in voltage control.