Solid-state voltage regulator for dispersed rural distribution systems

Many countries are currently facing significant regulatory changes. One of the main outcomes of this process is the requirement for distribution companies to achieve higher quality of supply standards, for which application of new technologies may be the solution. This paper addresses the problem of keeping bus voltages within reasonable limits when long radial networks feed dispersed loads in rural areas. The problem in such cases is that voltages at nearby (distant) buses are unacceptably high (low) according to established standards, for which the distribution company can be penalised. To prevent this problem, an AC boost chopper is proposed, acting much in the same way as voltage regulating transformers located at intermediate points. Simulation results are presented showing the performance and viability of such a device.