Multi-agent-based voltage stabilization scheme considering load model effect

In this paper, a new multi-agent-based voltage control scheme is proposed. The algorithm dynamically adapts the settings of control devices such as automatic voltage regulator of generators, transformer with under load tap changer, and FACTS to optimize operational objectives. The objectives are controlling the generator excitation current, reducing transmission power loss, maintaining voltage stability and improving voltage profile. The constraint is to keep the technical capability limits of system equipment. Furthermore, effect of load model on voltage control dynamics is addressed. Peer-to-peer device communication is developed to facilitate information exchange among agents. The proposed scheme coordinates the operation of installed voltage control devices on both low voltage and high voltage levels. A simulation test model is implemented using a parallel MATLAB-JADE arrangement for a modified IEEE 30-bus test system to evaluate the proposed voltage control scheme. As transmission line congestion can occur under some conditions, a modified version of the proposed control scheme is also proposed to prevent this problem. The performances of the two proposed versions of the multi-agent-based voltage control scheme are compared against two others. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.