Optimal Voltage Regulator Coordination via Cuckoo Search Algorithm in Distributed Generation System to Enhance Grid Stability

Hybrid power systems need frequent voltage regulation to handle fluctuations in load profile and renewable energy output, ensuring effective voltage management. This increased need for regulation extends the operating time of the tap changer in transformers, accelerating the degradation of the on-load tap changer (OLTC) device, which happens to be the most costly component of the transformer. In this paper, the optimal coordinated operations among distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM), distributed generation (DGs), and OLTC are proposed using the Cuckoo Search algorithm (CSA). The aim is to optimize voltage deviations, OLTC usage, and power losses. The effectiveness of this approach is evaluated across two realistic scenarios using 32 distribution test systems. The simulation outcomes demonstrate how important coordinated management is in ensuring that voltage standards are met at each node while lowering power losses.