Simulation of a Line Voltage Regulator in a Low-Voltage Grid That Is Subject to Strong Voltage Surges Due to the Provision of Fast Frequency Reserve

Abstract

The increasing adoption of battery storage units alongside private PV systems may prove to be a new challenge for distribution grid operators. This study explored the potential impact of marketing aggregated battery discharge power as a Fast Frequency Reserve (FFR) and its effect on the distribution grid stability. We investigated the efficacy of Line Voltage Regulators (LVRs) in mitigating voltage surges caused by simultaneous battery activation. For this purpose, a simulation was developed via Matlab (Version R2023a) to simulate the voltage at the nodes of an arbitrary distribution grid, using the feed-in and consumed power of the customers as the input. We applied the model to a distribution grid section in Sundsvall (Sweden). The results confirmed that LVRs can amplify voltage surges when their adjustments are not synchronized with the FFR activation. This study underscored the need for proactive measures to address the voltage maintenance challenges arising from the integration of battery storage units and renewable energy sources.