Assessing the impact of Network Exchanger (NEx) on power quality in distribution networks

Chief Investigators

Dr. Reza Razzaghi (Monash)

Purpose of project

As the adoption of solar PV and electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, Australia’s electricity grid faces growing challenges, including voltage management, phase imbalance, and increased transformer loading. The Network Exchanger (NEx) project introduces an advanced power electronics solution designed to address these issues. Installed after distribution transformers, NEx combines multiple grid support functions – voltage regulation, phase balancing, power factor correction, and harmonic reduction – into a single, compact unit. This project aims to assess the effectiveness of NEx in improving grid performance, increasing renewable energy hosting capacity, and reducing the need for costly network upgrades.

The project builds on prior research by Monash University and eleXsys, leveraging advanced distribution network models developed for Australian suburban grids. Key stakeholders include distribution utilities, system operators, technology providers, and policymakers. Third Equation’s NEx technology will be central to the project’s research, testing, and demonstration, helping to shape the future of smart grid solutions.

Impact of project

With one in four Australian households already using solar, grid constraints are limiting further uptake. NEx offers a decentralised, cost-effective alternative to traditional network investments. By enhancing power quality and optimising voltage management, the technology can:

· Improve grid hosting capacity and efficiency

· Reduce curtailment of solar exports

· Extend the lifespan of transformers and network infrastructure

· Facilitate higher adoption of renewables and EVs

This project will provide critical data to inform future deployments, enabling smarter, more flexible electricity networks. 

Work packages

1. Network impact assessment – Using high-fidelity network modelling, the project will evaluate NEx’s ability to improve hosting capacity under different solar and EV adoption scenarios.

2. Laboratory testing & validation – NEx’s performance will be tested under real-world conditions to validate its impact on voltage regulation, power factor correction, and phase balancing.

3. Project outputs & reporting – Findings will include technical reports, cost-benefit analyses, research papers, and recommendations for large-scale trials and future deployments.

Project partners – industry and research

Monash University (Lead), Third Equation Ltd (UK)

Industry Reference Group members

Ausnet Services, Energy Queensland, Essential Energy