Universal power electronic solution to low-cost rural electrification

This paper introduces a power electronic converter solution that is capable of providing rural electrification at a fraction of the current electrification cost. This saving could be brought about by implementing a cheaper way of power distribution and reticulation. Cheaper distribution practices imply weaker networks which inevitably leads to poor voltage regulation. Expanding on the concept of custom power, using cost-effective power electronics, based on an active rectifier and inverter, and high speed digital signal processors, algorithms could be implemented to compensate for the poor voltage regulation at the customer end. This implies that current distribution practices can be revised to take advantage of the load-end voltage regulation principle.