Control of Power Flows in Low Voltage Distribution Systems

Electric distribution systems are undergoing many radical transformations, mostly driven by the deep diffusion of modern distributed generation units. This phenomenon asks for smart and highly optimized technical solutions, in order to deal aging infrastructures with better operational efficiency levels and assure the perfect management of electric networks and in particular for low voltage grids. In this paper, a methodology to reach fast and efficient power flow control and optimization on low voltage distribution systems through the installation of an unified power flow controller (UPFC) is presented. The numerical results of tests that have been carried out through different operating scenarios demonstrate how this device can be successfully applied also to these kind of electric networks, in order to solve common operational problems such as power losses, loop-flows and counterflows.