ORCID
ORCID. 0009-0005-9884-3587
Abstract
Abstract: Voltage disturbances are the most important power quality (PQ) complications that customers and power utilities face in this smart era. The growing adoption of sophisticated electronic equipment and integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into power grids has increased the susceptibility of power distribution networks (PDNs) to voltage sags, swells, interruptions, flicker, and voltage imbalance. These disturbances, mainly caused by upstream faults, switching operations, and RES integration, compromise voltage PQ and system reliability. Consequently, they accelerate equipment degradation, increase electronic waste (e-waste), raise reactive power demand, power losses, maintenance costs, and impose substantial economic losses to customers and power utilities. These consequences also undermine global efforts toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on affordable and clean energy and SDG 13 on climate action. As the use of technologically advanced equipment continues to increase, establishing criteria to limit the effects of voltage disturbances has become essential. A more fundamental challenge is developing effective approaches that enable utilities and end users to address these disturbances in a fair and efficient manner. This review paper presents causes, effects, human factors, and safety implications of voltage-PQ disturbances, and the technological strategies taken to resolve voltage-PQ problems using custom power devices(CPDs). It compares key CPDs, Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR), Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM), and Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC), evaluating their compensation capability, response speed, converter rating, and upkeep cost. Literature indicates that DVRs restore voltage within 2.5 ms, while their simpler topology and lower converter capacity can reduce implementation costs compared to equivalent CPDs. Although DSTATCOM effectively regulates reactive power, current, and harmonics, and UPQC provides comprehensive power-quality compensation, DVR offers a more targeted techno-economic solution for voltage disturbances. Its focused compensation can reduce equipment stress and e-waste, extend equipment life, enhance power-system resilience, and support sustainable energy practices consistent with SDG 7 and 13.
Recommended Citation
Mnkeni, G. E., Justo, J., Mushi, A. T., & Mwinyiwiwa, B. (2026). Voltage-Related Power Quality Issues and Impacts on Distribution Networks with Sensitive Loads - A Review. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET), 45(2). https://doi.org/10.65085/2619-8789.1102
Publisher Name
University of Dar es Salaam
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