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The transformation of the electrical system is bringing changes to distribution grids. The growing presence of single-phase photovoltaic installations and electric vehicle charging points is unbalancing phases, generating voltage fluctuations and certain harmonic distortions that affect supply quality, especially on long rural lines with high impedance. In response, Salicru’s R&D&i department has developed the Salicru GAUSS project, an innovative low-voltage three-phase service entrance balancer.

Salicru GAUSS is based on a three-level three-phase inverter with IGBTs, which balances voltages by reducing negative and zero sequences, while also restoring voltages to their nominal value by injecting reactive power and correcting voltage harmonics (currently up to the seventh). The result is a more stable, efficient grid, ready to support greater penetration of distributed generation.

The inverter’s parallel connection to the line means that the equipment only needs to be sized for the power to be corrected, rather than for the total power of the line, unlike the series connection of a conventional voltage stabiliser.

The equipment can also inject reactive power on remote demand and, when fitted with batteries, also use active power to restore voltage, provide voltage dip support and schedule charging and discharging. In this way, it responds immediately to variations in load or generation, compensating imbalances without relying solely on the instantaneous conditions of the grid.

The project also incorporates communication capabilities between devices installed on the same power line to coordinate their operation. The inverter can also correct at remote points on the line with a remote meter through a 4G connection and a VPN. Salicru is also working to extend this interconnection to other devices in its catalogue, creating an intelligent and cyber-protected energy management ecosystem.

Salicru allocates an average of 5% of its turnover to R&D&i, and in 2026 the final figure reached 6%, more than three times the European average. For GAUSS, it has obtained funding from the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology and Innovation (CDTI) and has been co-financed by the European Union through NextGenerationEU, as part of its commitment to developing technologies aimed at improving the quality and resilience of power grids.