Real-Time Co-Simulation of Voltage Control in Battery Energy Storage Systems for Distribution Networks with High Photovoltaic Penetration

This article presents a real-time co-simulation framework for voltage control in distribution networks with high penetration of photovoltaic (PV) generation, using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The integration of PV generation can cause overvoltage issues, fluctuations, and reverse power flow. To mitigate these effects, the proposed solution combines active and reactive power control through BESS. The co-simulation, which integrates the OpenDSS and Typhoon HIL platforms, allows real-time monitoring and control of voltage levels. Reactive power control is performed through Volt-Var control, while active power control is based on the state of charge (SoC) of the BESS. Tests carried out on the IEEE 33-bus system, with PV generation and BESS, demonstrated that the proposed strategy is effective in maintaining voltage stability, mitigating overvoltages and undervoltages, and ensuring safe network operation. This study highlights the importance of using BESS to ensure stability in distribution networks with high penetration of renewable energy sources.