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Unified Mode Selection Framework for Real-Time VAr Optimization Tool in Unbalanced Distribution Systems
  • Hari Krishna Achuthan Parthasarathy,
  • Zahra Soltani,
  • Mojdeh Khorsand
Hari Krishna Achuthan Parthasarathy
Arizona State University
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Zahra Soltani
Arizona State University
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Mojdeh Khorsand
Arizona State University

Corresponding Author:mabdikho@asu.edu

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Abstract

High penetration of residential photovoltaic (PV) units has caused severe voltage issues in the distribution feeders. During seasons with low demand and high PV generation, distribution feeders face increasing power quality issues. Continuous operation in system conditions with these voltage issues reduces the lifetime of distribution equipment and can cause severe monetary loss. Legacy VAr support devices are too sparse and slow to mitigate these issues. With the introduction of the IEEE 1547-2018 standard, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are allowed to participate in providing VAr support to mitigate these issues. This paper proposes a novel Unified Mode Selection (UMS) framework within a real-time VAr optimization tool for distribution networks. This tool is developed based on an effective unbalanced distribution AC Optimal Power Flow (ACOPF) formulation. The proposed model has the ability to select between the Volt-VAr and Watt-VAr operational modes for each VAr enabled smart inverters, and to simultaneously optimize the controller set-points to optimally dispatch each inverter, minimizing operational costs and mitigating the voltage issues. The tool is tested on a snapshot of a distribution network in Arizona and compared against using only Volt-VAr or Watt-VAr operational mode with default settings. The results confirm the effectiveness of the model.
12 Aug 2025Submitted to IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution
15 Aug 2025Submission Checks Completed
15 Aug 2025Assigned to Editor
15 Aug 2025Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Sep 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 Jan 2026Editorial Decision: Revise Major
31 Jan 20261st Revision Received
02 Feb 2026Submission Checks Completed
02 Feb 2026Assigned to Editor
02 Feb 2026Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Feb 2026Reviewer(s) Assigned