Optimal Placement of a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in Distribution Systems Using Exhaustive Search to Improve Voltage Profiles and Harmonic Distortion

Juan S. Espinosa Gutiérrez () and Alexander Aguila Téllez ()
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Juan S. Espinosa Gutiérrez: GIREI Research Group, Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Quito 170146, Ecuador
Alexander Aguila Téllez: GIREI Research Group, Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Quito 170146, Ecuador

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-48

Abstract: This paper presents an exhaustive search approach to determine the optimal placement of a Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) in a distribution system that integrates a distributed generation (DG) unit based on photovoltaic (PV) panels. The main objective is to enhance voltage profiles and reduce total harmonic distortion (THD) in the presence of nonlinear loads. A multi-objective optimization model is formulated, combining THD minimization and voltage deviation reduction through a weighted cost function. Two case studies are conducted using the IEEE 33-bus test system modeled in MATLAB Simulink, considering different scenarios: one with nonlinear loads and another with additional DG integration. The UPQC is tested at critical nodes to assess its impact on power quality indicators. Results show that placing the UPQC at node 14 yields the lowest cost function value in both cases, with THD reductions exceeding 90% at the installation node and notable improvements across the system. These findings confirm that brute-force optimization is a reliable and effective strategy for UPQC siting, especially in distribution networks subjected to nonlinear disturbances and renewable-based DG. The proposed methodology provides a practical framework for power quality enhancement and supports decision-making in modern smart grid environments.

Keywords: Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC); nonlinear loads; distribution system; optimal placement; total harmonic distortion (THD); exhaustive search (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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