Photovoltaic inverters used as active filters for improvement of IV distribution networks

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the benefits that can be achieved by operating the connection inverters of the distributed energy resources as active power filters in LV distribution networks. The use of photovoltaic inverters to compensate zero sequence currents, arising from unbalances among phases, can improve the efficiency of the distributed system by means of reducing the total amount of losses. For that purpose, a typical load in parallel with a distribution network where a photovoltaic inverter is connected has been simulated. The reductions in the distribution power losses and compensation of zero sequence currents have been demonstrated.