Application and control of a DSTATCOM to couple neighboring low voltage feeders

Abstract

Low voltage feeders (LVFs) experience voltage drop at network peak periods, voltage rise at middays when high number of rooftop photovoltaic cells (PVs) exist in the feeder and voltage unbalance due to single-phase loads and PVs. This paper proposes to couple neighboring LVFs for reducing such problems. Based on this concept, two or more LVFs can be interconnected. It is proposed in this paper that a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) can be installed at the coupling point of the LVFs to provide voltage controllability. Proper dynamic control methods are proposed for the DSTATCOM and the performance of such a system is investigated under steady-state and dynamic conditions in MATLAB and PSCAD/EMTDC.