Optimal PV active power curtailment in a PV-penetrated distribution network using optimal smart inverter Volt-Watt control settings

This study addresses the challenges of active power curtailment in photovoltaic (PV) penetrated distribution networks, focusing on mitigating voltage instability, reduced efficiency, and unfair curtailment. Traditional Volt-Watt control methods often result in unequal power curtailment, placing an economic burden on customers further from the distribution transformer. To overcome this, the study introduces an optimization framework using the Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA) to maximize PV output while maintaining voltage stability and ensuring fairness in curtailment across all distributed energy resources (DERs). The problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization, refining the control parameters of smart inverters' Volt-Watt settings to enhance system performance. The WCA method ensures balanced curtailment among DERs, promoting equitable participation in the process. This not only improves system efficiency but also addresses the issue of economic disparity in curtailment practices. Simulations conducted on the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution test system demonstrated the superiority of the WCA over other metaheuristic algorithms such as Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The results showed that WCA effectively minimizes active power curtailment while maintaining voltage within limits and ensuring fair distribution of curtailment among all DERs.