Cost-benefit analysis of central and local voltage control provided by distributed generators in MV networks

In this study, technical as well as economic aspects of local and central coordinated voltage control strategies, which are based on reactive power provision from the distributed generators, will be analyzed in the context of high penetration of renewable energy resources in European medium voltage distribution networks. An economical evaluation of the operation and investment costs of the strategies is the main focus of this study. The results suggest that voltage control strategies which are based on distributed generators can increase the hosting capacity of the network, while being economically viable in comparison to classic grid reinforcement.