Optimal location for a UHPQC in a distribution network for minimisation of harmonics and reactive power improvements

The evolution and dependance of modern day electronic devices, AC/DC converters, and renewable energy from solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters has developed an exponential use of non-linear devices that have the potential to introduce harmonics into the power network. Harmonics are voltages & currents at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency that are superimposed on the fundamental waveform, the inclusion of harmonics can cause distortion to the sinusoidal waveform supplied from the power network. Distortion of the sinusoidal waveform can propagate through the network, and cause detrimental effects on electrical infrastructure and associated sensitive equipment. There are numerous passive and active solutions available to mitigate harmonics and reduce the effects to adjacent electrical equipment. The use of passive or active filters to block or cancel harmonics has been used extensively, this has driven further development of active filters & hybrid filters. A hybrid filter combines the passive and active filter components to provide a flexible solution to fluctuating network impedances. This research focuses on a unified hybrid power quality conditioner (UHPQC) which utilises complex algorithms to monitor the connected system, and adjust the filter output accordingly to mitigate or cancel a range of harmonic frequencies. This research provides a detailed analysis into the effectiveness and practicality of a suitable location for the placement of a UHPQC filter within a chosen distribution network for the purpose of minimising harmonics and supplementing reactive power requirements