Summary
The rapid expansion of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems has introduced voltage regulation challenges in low-voltage distribution networks, particularly in dense urban areas such as
Read more Read lessBangkok. High PV penetration causes bidirectional power flows, leading to voltage fluctuations and overvoltage conditions. This study examines voltage stability improvement in Thailand’s distribution network, emphasizing the key role of PV service providers in properly installing, configuring, and commissioning smart inverters with reactive power control in compliance with utility standards. The study analyzes a residential area in northern Bangkok with 218 PVequipped households using smart meter data from January 2024 and a PandaPower-based network model. Inverter control strategies with autonomous reactive power response were evaluated. Results show that reactive power control significantly improves voltage regulation.
Inverters absorb reactive power during peak generation and inject reactive power during lowvoltage periods, producing more uniform voltage profiles, reducing fluctuations and equipment stress, and minimizing utility intervention. Performance improvements were quantified using
SAVMVI and SAVFI. The study concludes that smart inverter reactive power control is a scalable, cost-effective solution for high-PV networks, with effectiveness strongly dependent on service provider technical competency and compliance.
Additional informations
| Publication type | Session Materials |
|---|---|
| Reference | C6_12066_2026 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| Country | Thailand |
| Study committees | |
| File size | 1 MB |
| Price for non member | 30 € |
| Price for member | 30 € |
Authors
SUWANNASORN Supnirun
Keywords
Low-Voltage Distribution Network, Photovoltaic (PV) Integration, Reactive power control, Smart inverter, Voltage regulation (VR)
