Hardware and software model evaluation of a dynamic load balancer for mitigation of current unbalance in distribution circuits

Current unbalance conditions are a concern to utilities and can negatively affect power quality and safe and reliable system operation if left untreated. Conventional solutions involve physical re-configuration and are typically challenging and less effective as these changes are temporary and will change as circuit and customer load habits evolve. As alternative, power electronic-based devices are promising solutions to mitigating current unbalance. This paper introduces the control theory behind one such power electronics-based Dynamic Load Balancer (DLB) and details the development of a transient software-based simulation model to allow for mitigation planning and performance evaluation in distribution circuits. The physical and software model for DLB were tested under a range of system conditions as verification of model accuracy and also evaluation of the device capabilities and performance.