Prototyping and Testing of a Single-phase Voltage Regulation Device for LV Prosumers

Abstract

The growing penetration of distributed generation (DG) in low-voltage (LV) networks has increased the need for effective voltage regulation, particularly for prosumers who act as both consumers and generators. To mitigate long-term voltage variations, this study further develops a recently proposed single-phase LV voltage regulation device prototype intended for installation at prosumer premises. The regulator is based on a compact two-winding transformer whose operating configuration is dynamically modified via static switches, providing a simple, cost-effective solution without mechanical moving parts. This work focuses on prototyping and testing to advance the TRL of the proposed device, improving its performance, efficiency, robustness, and operational reliability by revising its main parts. The proposed architecture is assessed through an extensive laboratory test campaign including initialization and commissioning procedures, switching-state diagnostics, fault-management strategies, operation under nonlinear and full-load conditions, variable input-voltage profiles, and efficiency characterization. Extensive laboratory testing under diverse conditions, highlights the device’s performance improvements and shows the latest advancements in its development.