Open UPQC power quality manager within distributed generation systems

Power quality in distribution networks is already a concern in many European Countries where there is a strong presence of renewable energy generation. There is therefore a growing interest in new technologies able to improve the power quality level. Among them, the Open Uninterruptible Power Quality Conditioner (Open UPQC) is a possible solution. The system consists of a main three-phase AC/DC power converter in the MV/LV substation, and some single-phase or three-phase AC/DC power converter installed at customer´s premises. The paper discusses design, simulation, implementation of an Open UPQC installed in real distribution grid in the city of Brescia (north of Italy) within Smart Domo Grid, a project co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. Some experimental results are also reported.