Voltage regulation system in LV networks with high level of renewables and electric vehicles

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a single-phase low-voltage regulator (LVR) prototype aimed at addressing voltage variations at the point of common coupling (PCC) in residential dwellings. These variations are increasing due to the rapid integration of private photovoltaic systems (PVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) into LV networks. The device being proposed operates on the series compensation concept, utilizing two different fixed-ratio transformers that are intelligently switched to achieve the necessary voltage correction. The primary design objectives of the regulator are simplicity, reliability and cost-effectiveness. This work discusses the hardware and testing of a developed prototype and presents the preliminary laboratory testing results.