A review of topological ordering based voltage rise mitigation methods for LV distribution networks with high levels of photovoltaic penetration

In the past five years substantial amounts of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation have been installed across the low voltage distribution networks. These networks often have design lifetimes of 40 years. Most of the existing distribution networks were constructed, and the voltage profiles set, prior to the rapid uptake of PV. When power quality difficulties arise reconstruction or some other form of intervention is required. This review will focus on power electronic options for voltage profile management in networks with high penetrations of PV. A voltage profile improvement can be achieved with a range of series or shunt connected devices. The traditional voltage regulator adds a series compensation voltage and electronic and electro-mechanical variations exist. Shunt devices attempt to influence voltage with reactive or real power flows when storage is allowed. A shunt device is additionally capable of phase balancing which may substantially raise the allowable PV fraction. In addition to the topological choices, the converter choice will impact upon capability. This paper will examine full converter solutions which incorporate meaningful energy storage at a DC bus and reduced energy storage scenarios or storage free solutions such as matrix converter (MC) based devices. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd