Simulations and field test results for potential applications of LV DC distribution network to reduce flicker effect

The growing diffusion of distributed energy sources is making higher and higher the attention for DC distribution networks, that present some advantages related to an easier integration of renewable energy sources, storage systems and electrical drives. The DC network has to be connected to the traditional AC network by means of a converter interface whose main scope is the regulation of the power fluxes exchanged between the two networks. In this paper it is shown how it is possible to reduce flicker phenomenon, appearing when a pulsing load is connected on the DC network, controlling the front-end converter and using a storage system connected to the DC line. Numerical simulation results have been carried out to prove this capability. Moreover some preliminary experimental tests, realized on a test facility under construction at ERSE, have been performed and results are reported.