Economical power quality enhancement in MV distribution networks by power electronics solutions

Besides the classical reasons for power quality problems, a growing share of power generated by renewable energy sources, together with a reduction of redundancies in lines and substations, have a negative impact on the power quality in the medium voltage (MV) and the low voltage (LV) power distribution network. At the same time, the number of consumers with power quality (PQ) sensitive processes is increasing. Since the economic consequences of power disturbances for at least those consumers can be extremely high, a wide range of products for the improvement of PQ for both, the MV and the LV grid are available. These products are based either on improved traditional technology or on power electronics conversion techniques. Within this paper, the economic drivers and possibilities of how electrical power distribution systems can be designed to ensure a suitable level of PQ are presented. A brief description of the economical consequences and technological trends, an overall architecture is derived and discussed. After briefly highlighting the consequences for system analysis and synthesis, the second emphasis is given on application examples