This study presents and thoroughly compares different alternatives to create DC links in distribution networks by means of voltage source converters (VSC). Such links give rise to fully controllable loops in nowadays radially operated systems, allowing higher levels of distributed generation penetration. Suitable VSC-based devices are reviewed and compared from several points of view, including topologies, degrees of freedom, operating ranges and performance. Several case studies, involving actual urban and rural distribution networks, are worked out to show the potential benefits provided by the use of the proposed smart links.

This paper analyzes the feasibility and convenience of applying the efficient discrete Fourier transform (DFT) techniques for the computation of reference currents in active power filters. Existing methods designed for this purpose rely on a high-pass filter in order to obtain the harmonic components of the load current to be filtered. Among these methods, the stationary reference frame (SRF) method reveals itself as the most accurate one because of its inherent immunity to distorted voltage conditions. In this paper, two different implementations of the running DFT, including their recursive and nonrecursive versions, are compared to the SRF approach in terms of steady-state performance, adequacy of transient response, and computational effort. In addition to simulation results, an experimental setup is designed to prove the advantages of resorting to the DFT. Conceptual similarities between both schemes are also stressed in this paper.

Today's electricity paradigm requires that the notion of active distribution systems be introduced at both undergraduate and graduate curricula. This involves not only the customary theoretical foundations but also a suitable power engineering laboratory, where flexible enough and affordable resources allow students and researchers to carry out hands-on experiments reinforcing the concepts explained in the classroom. This paper describes the smart grid laboratory of the Power Engineering Group at the University of Seville, composed of a scaled-down distribution system, along with the required control and monitoring equipment, designed to help its users easily grasp the major influence that distributed generation and storage devices exert in the operation of medium-voltage distribution systems.

The growing penetration of Converter-Interfaced Distributed Renewable Energy Sources (CI-DRES) has posed several challenges into the electric power systems, e.g., the instability caused by the intermittent nature of the primary sources, power quality issues, etc. Several algorithms have been proposed to mitigate the CI-DRES power fluctuations and reduce high active power ramp-rates (RRs) at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) with the grid using energy storage systems (ESS). However, these algorithms present some drawbacks. In this paper, a new Ramp-Rate Limitation (RRL) control method is proposed to address existing gaps in the technical literature. This algorithm is performed considering the connection of a Supercapacitor (SC) at the DC-link of a DRES converter. The relationship between the SC voltage and the degree to which the RRL is achieved is established, aiming to reduce the SC voltage fluctuations and increase the SC life time. The RRL control is validated in a real experimental testbed and compared to state-of-the-art approaches. This control is also modelled in Matlab/Simulink in order to perform techno-economic investigations on the influence that several parameters (SC size, SC charging/discharging cycles, cost, etc.) have on the achieved RRL at the DRES PCC.