Stochastic Convex Optimization for Optimal Power Factor Correction in Microgrids with Photovoltaic Generation

• Published in: Tecno - Lógicas (Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano) Vol. 25; no. 55; pp. e2355 - 15
• Main Authors: Casilimas Peña, Alexander, Montoya, Oscar Danilo, Garcés Ruiz, Alejandro, Ángeles Camacho, César
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medellin Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Algorithms; Alternative energy sources; Compensators; Constraint modelling; Convex analysis; convex optimization; Convexity; Distributed generation; Estudios de radiación solar; Expected values; factor de potencia óptimo; formulación estocástica; Inverters; Linear programming; Mathematical analysis; Methodology; modelo no lineal; nonlinear model; optimal power factor; optimización convexa; Optimization models; Optimization techniques; Photovoltaic cells; Power factor; Radiation; Radiation measurement; Random variables; Reactive power; Renewable resources; Resolvers; Solar radiation; Solar radiation studies; stochastic formulation
• ISSN: 0123-7799; 2256-5337; 2256-5337
• DOI: 10.22430/22565337.2355

This research focused on the development of a methodology for calculating the optimal power factor (OPF) in microgrids with the photovoltaic generation, in order to use solar inverters as reactive compensators, which will change their power factor according to the needs of the load. The developed methodology proposes a convex optimization model with multiple constraints to solve the OPF problem. Wirtinger's linearization in the power balance equation was implemented. The stochastic behavior of solar radiation was considered using the average sampling approach (ASA) to generate solar scenarios, which are used to calculate the magnitude of the generation of photovoltaic systems for specific hours of the day. Finally, the algorithm was run on CIGRE's 19-node test grid. The proposed methodology showed that as the radiation level increases during the day, more radiation scenarios can be tested, which increases the accuracy of the power factor value for each PV system. Although the general idea in power systems is to have a unity power factor, the algorithm resulted in power factors with values less than one in some inverters. This represents an injection of reactive power from the inverters to meet the reactive needs of the loads connected close to said PV generators, which is reflected in a variation in the magnitude of the power factor.