Reliability aspects of a power electronic voltage regulator for active low-voltage distribution networks

Abstract

New approaches for operating distribution networks are required to handle highly volatile voltage profiles resulting from distributed generation capacities with intermittent feed-in characteristics connected at the medium and low voltage level. This paper discusses the use of a power-electronics-based inline voltage regulator in a low voltage network. Simulations for one year are carried out to investigate the influence of the regulator on a network's voltage profile and to derive a mission profile for the device. Based on this mission profile an analysis of the stresses on the power semiconductors is carried out to illustrate the process of extracting the stresses relevant for a specific component from the mission profile of the device.