Review on Reactive Power and Voltage Optimization of Active Distribution Network with Renewable Distributed Generation and Time-Varying Loads

With a high proportion of renewable distributed generation and time-varying load connected to the distribution network, great challenges have appeared in the reactive power optimization control of the active distribution networks. This paper first introduces the characteristics of active distribution networks, the mechanism and research status of wind power, photovoltaic, and other renewable distributed generators, and time-varying loads participating in reactive power and voltage optimization. Then, the paper summarizes the methods of reactive power optimization and voltage regulation of active distribution network, including multi-timescale voltage optimization, coordinated optimization of network reconfiguration and reactive power optimization, coordinated optimization of active and reactive power optimization based on model predictive control, hierarchical and zoning control of reactive power, and voltage and power electronic switch voltage regulation. The pros and cons of the reactive power optimization algorithms mentioned above are summarized. Finally, combined with the development trend of the energy Internet, the future directions of reactive power and voltage control technology in the active distribution network are discussed.