Evaluation of Harmonic Current Effect and Distribution Line Voltage Control Ability of Reactive Power Control by use of Power Factor Correction Converter in Consumer Load

Abstract

Increase of photovoltaics (PV) penetration and concentration of electric vehicle (EV) charging may cause voltage violation in distribution lines. One measure for voltage violation in distribution lines is reactive power control. In this research, to reduce additional installation cost of reactive power control equipment, reactive power control by use of power factor correction converters in consumer loads was proposed. In this paper, voltage control ability of the proposed method was evaluated from the point of additional increase of PV generation and EV charging. Distribution voltage distortion caused by harmonic currents from consumer loads to which the proposed method were applied was also evaluated from the point of maximum reactive power output from loads within allowable voltage distortion level.