Performance of a Multi-Grounded Distribution Network with a Four-Wire Three-Phase Power Conditioner

This paper presents a simplified analysis of a multi-grounded distribution network compensated by a four-wire three-phase power conditioner. The effect of the neutral conductors and grounding resistances on the voltage unbalance factor are demonstrated, in steady-state, performing digital simulations using the OpenDSS package. Then, a power conditioner is connected to the distribution network to compensate for the currents drained by an unbalanced load. The control loops used to control the AC currents and the DC voltage of the power conditioner are also presented. Results of time-domain simulations show that, although the unbalance can not be fully mitigated, the power conditioner can reduce the voltage unbalance and neutral voltages of the distribution network.