A Review of Technical Challenges and Power Electronic Solutions for Distribution Networks

Increasing demand for electricity, the focus on sustainability and changing the ways in which society generates and uses electricity are creating significant technical challenges for distribution network operators. Power electronics can provide new ways to manage power flow and energy storage in distribution networks, and is therefore one way in which these challenges could be addressed. This paper reviews common research trends in power electronics for distribution networks and discusses how they are being used to address the problems faced by distribution network operators. Electronically controlled microgrids, energy storage, and other custom power devices operating at Low Voltage are found to be promising solutions, some of which have already been proven in field trials.