3-phase LV network load balancing: comparing passive and active solutions

The present paper is part of a joint experiment including installation of dozens of passive balancers and development of an active balancer prototype in 2024 and 2025 by Réséda and Ores, two major european regional DSOs. It compares active and passive solutions to mitigate voltage drops on low voltage three phase grids. Simulations and on site measurements are used to analyse power flows, voltage quality and line losses on 4 grids. While active balancers show several advantages in terms of balancing performance, low loss, ease of installation, they have yet to confirm that they can surpass passive units for long term reliability and TCO.