Use of distributed generator (DG) inverters as statcoms for decreasing line losses

Non-transitory computer-readable media having encoded thereon computer readable and computer executable instructions which, when executed, implements a method for reducing line losses in a power transmission and distribution network, the method comprising:

• determining a specific set of voltage setpoints for at least one inverter based power generation facility operatively coupled to said network based on an optimal load flow study performed at an energy control center, said specific voltage setpoints being voltages that minimize line losses on said network;
• communicating said specific voltage setpoints from said energy control center to said at least one inverter based power generation facility operatively coupled to said network via at least one bidirectional communication channel;
• and
• repeating said determining and said communicating at a set time interval determined by said energy control center to ensure that said line losses are continuously minimized,
• wherein an inverter of said at least one inverter based power generation facility operates as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), said inverter injecting or absorbing controlled reactive power with said network to regulate a voltage at a point of common coupling of said at least one inverter based power generation facility towards said specific voltage setpoint,
• wherein said energy control center coordinates said voltage regulation on said network;
• wherein said controlled reactive power provided to said network is based on an inverter capacity for said at least one power generation facility available after real power generation, and
• wherein a normal real power production function of the at least one inverter based power generation facility continues while said inverter injects or absorbs said controlled reactive power with said network.

A method for reducing line losses in a power transmission and distribution network, the method comprising:

• a) at a specific inverter based power generation facility, receiving an indication that voltage control support is required for line loss minimization;
• b) determining a specific voltage for a specific location on said specific inverter based power generation facility operatively coupled to said network, said specific voltage being determined based on an optimal load flow study performed at an energy control center, said specific voltage being a voltage that minimizes line losses on said network;
• c) regulating a voltage at a point of common coupling for said specific inverter based power generation facility towards said specific voltage through injecting or absorbing controlled reactive power with said network, said controlled reactive power being based on an inverter capacity for said specific inverter based power generation facility available after real power generation, wherein a normal real power production function of said specific inverter based power generation facility continues while injecting or absorbing controlled reactive power with said network;
• d) repeating steps b) and c) at a set time interval determined by said energy control center to ensure that said line losses are continuously minimized,
• wherein an inverter of said specific inverter based power generation facility operates as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to insect or absorb controlled reactive power with said network in step c);
• wherein said energy control center coordinates said voltage regulation on said network.

Non-transitory computer readable media having encoded thereon computer readable and computer executable instructions which, when executed, implements a method for reducing line losses in a power transmission and distribution network, the method comprising:

• a) at a specific inverter based power generation facility, receiving an indication that voltage control support is required for line loss minimization;
• b) determining a specific voltage for a specific location on said specific inverter based power generation facility operatively coupled to said network, said specific voltage being determined based on an optimal load flow study performed at an energy control center, said specific voltage being a voltage that minimizes line losses on said network;
• c) regulating a voltage at a point of common coupling for said specific inverter based power generation facility towards said specific voltage through injecting or absorbing controlled reactive power with said network, said controlled reactive power being based on an inverter capacity for said specific inverter based power generation facility available after real power generation, wherein a normal real power production function of said specific inverter based power generation facility continues while said inverter infects or absorbs controlled reactive power with said network;
• d) repeating steps b) and c) at a set time interval determined by said energy control center to ensure that said line losses are continuously minimized,
• wherein the inverter of said specific inverter based power generation facility operates as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to insect or absorb controlled reactive power with said network in step c);
• wherein said energy control center coordinates said voltage regulation on said network.