Impact of ESS on Mitigating Excessive On-Load Tap Changer Operations Caused by Renewables Integration

With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources into the power grids, maintaining stable voltage levels is a critical challenge. This paper focuses on the control and operation of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) as a potential solution to mitigate the excessive operation of On-Load Tap Changers (OLTC) in the context of the Canadian rural 43-bus distribution system. The proposed optimization model aims to minimize tap operations in three cases. The results demonstrate that the integration of ESS results in fewer tap operations which can prevent OLTC’s wear and tear, as well as shortening its life expectancy. Specifically, the ESS exhibits its best performance under various operational scenarios, showcasing its potential as a valuable tool for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy integration into distribution systems.