Zero-Sum Power Factor Games
Finding the best voltage control settings before solar and batteries act unpredictably
Grid operators can prevent dangerous voltage swings from rooftop solar and battery systems by pre-setting how much reactive power each device should supply relative to its active power output. The researchers found an exact mathematical solution for these settings that can perfectly cancel out voltage disruptions when conditions stay within normal bounds, and they mapped out which solar and battery sizes make this solution actually work.
As neighborhoods add more solar panels and batteries, voltage instability threatens equipment damage and blackouts. This approach lets operators stabilize the grid automatically without real-time communication or constant adjustments—crucial for utilities managing thousands of unpredictable devices. The researchers also quantify how much protection is lost if regulations force operators to use weaker control settings, helping regulators decide whether current standards are safe enough.