Power quality improvement in LV smart grid by using the open UPQC device

Abstract

This paper presents the application of the Open Unified Power Quality Conditioner as a tool to improve the power quality in low voltage distribution grids. This system consists of a single or three-phase AC/DC power converter installed at customer’s premises and a main three-phase AC/DC power converter in the MV/LV substation. O-UPQC will be installed and tested in the city of Brescia (north of Italy) within Smart Domo Grid, a project co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. A preliminary analysis of the power quality and the load distribution of the test area will be used as input for the design of the system.