Loss-reduced reactive power control strategies for transmission system support with renewable energy sources

In times of reduced feed-in from thermal power plants, new reactive power control strategies are needed. In this work, a central reactive power control strategy called DRPC is used to minimize the reactive power flow demand of the distribution system vis-à-vis the transmission system. In a simulation model representing a high voltage grid, the reactive power from local renewable energy power plants is used successfully to compensate the distribution grid's reactive power demand which may cause lower grid losses. However, this increased participation of renewables in grid management leads to higher losses on wind or solar park level. A second simulation model was used to quantify these effects and to demonstrate the feasibility of DRPC with renewable energy sources on park level.