As a result of the energy transition, energy is being supplied in a decentralised way by renewable systems, energy storage systems or small hydro and wind power plants, often from private households. This turns consumers into active power generators. These are often fed in a single phase, and therefore cause asymmetries, damaging the quality of the grid.  All these factors make it a challenge for operators to ensure a good quality of the distribution network.

The situation can be mitigated by extending the distribution network. The use of local storage systems is also becoming increasingly important. Both are variants of very expensive solutions.

In order to be able to offer solutions to grid operators in the field of voltage regulation, the idea to develop an electronic voltage regulator that connects the supply transformer to the grid was born. This device can be connected independently of the supply transformer or the grid used. This would be a much cheaper alternative solution.

The concept of this device has been thoroughly evaluated and verified by a hardware design.  In addition, a topological research was carried out, the concepts were simulated and a decision was made on them.

An extensive research and development work was carried out during three academic semesters in the form of a master thesis in electrical engineering, a project conceived and sponsored by Dipl.-Ing. Eugen Jakob, with his guidance and conceptual study, reinforced by the mentoring of a research professor and scientist of the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, OST. The results were presented at the exhibition and conference at PCIM Europe 2019 in Nuremberg, Germany [1] and are detailed in the master thesis of Dipl.-Ing. Bernhard Girardi [2].  Every year the three most outstanding master's students are nominated by the Palmary Foundation for the best master's thesis, and this was one of those chosen.

Our electronic voltage regulator shows a new method of control algorithm and system, which can control the continuous voltage of the grid.  At the same time, harmonics in the grid can be compensated and asymmetrical load can be equalised. The location of the installation is flexible and can be connected directly to the distribution transformer or close to the consumers.

The aim of the development of an electronic voltage regulator is to create a mobile, fast and cost-effective solution for operators of low-voltage distribution networks worldwide. At a later stage, this technology could be applied to medium-voltage grids. The aim was to present a new innovative alternative solution compared to today's traditional solutions, such as the installation of local control transformers or network expansion in case of distribution network problems.

Our product, which we have named Electronic Voltage Controller for Distribution Grids (EVOC-DTR)™ is the solution, as it continuously monitors these grid fluctuations directly in the distribution grids, at the same time with harmonic and asymmetrical load compensation.

All our research activity is aimed at responding to the challenges posed by society. That is why we are committed to developing our own research and development projects, sometimes in collaboration with other companies and research organisations, in order to achieve new technological advances.

We invite you to read the publication, in German and French, about our product in the issue 6/22 of Bulletin Electrosuisse. The Bulletin Electrosuisse is a Swiss journal in the field of electrical engineering and the electricity industry. It is published by the Electrosuisse association, which has been published since January 1910.

 

[1]   Bernhard Girardi, Kurt Schenk. “Continuously Variable Transformer for Grid Voltage Stabilization“. PCIM Power Conversion and Intelligent Motion Conference.

[2]  Bernhard Girardi. “Spannungsgeregelter Transformator”. Master-Thesis, NTB, 2018.