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.