Intelligent voltage regulator as a key element of an electrical grid with renewable energy sources operating on the Internet of Energy principle

Internet of Energy (IoE) concept. The paper analyzes the limitations of the classical hierarchical power supply model with unidirectional power flows, including reduced stability, increased probability of accidents, vulnerability to physical impacts and cyber-attacks, as well as the complexity of distribution grids control in the context of an increasing share of RES. It is shown that the integration of distributed generation based on RES gives the electric power system a stochastic character, that requires new approaches to voltage regulation, power balance maintaining and ensuring reliability. IoE is a cyber-physical infrastructure that provides a bidirectional energy and information flows exchange between grid active participants. The IoE grid key element is an energy router, that ensures the energy and information flows coordination. As such a device, it is proposed to use an intelligent voltage regulator (IVR) based on thyristor switches for electrical distribution network. The IVR development stages are presented: from mathematical and computer modeling to a physical model and an experimental sample followed by pilot operation in distribution networks. The IVR research results are shown. The technical and economic assessment of the IVR technology introduction is given.

The IVR provides active and reactive power flows active-adaptive control, maintains power quality and increases the grid stability, including grids with multi-sided power supply and RES high proportion.