Analysis of Performance and Efficiency of Conservation Voltage Optimization Considering Load Model Uncertainty

Abstract

This paper presents a novel method for evaluating the performance of conservation voltage optimization (CVO). The method investigates the load-to-voltage (LTV) sensitivity. A time-varying exponential load model is developed to represent the load’s dependence on voltage and other factors. The model parameters are estimated by applying the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm. The effects of CVO can be assessed by using the estimated model parameters. The proposed RLS-based algorithm is validated by simulation tests and the Euclidian distance–based comparison method. Field test results also show the accuracy and effectiveness of the presented algorithm. To address the uncertainty and variability of the CVO performance, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is used to determine the distribution that represents the CVO effect of each substation. The proposed methodology can assist utilities in selecting target substations to implement voltage optimization.