D-STATCOM Control using SRFT Method for PQ Improvement in a PV System

Abstract

The set of restrictions defined for a system's electrical characteristics so that the entire electrical system can function in the intended manner and without losses is known as power quality. Power quality issues such as transients, harmonics, voltage swell, sag, flicker, fluctuations, and power factor difficulties are becoming more common as power electronic devices become more widely used. The usage of a Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM) to mitigate power quality issues is discussed in this study. In this case, D-STATCOM functions as a shunt active power filter to reduce harmonics caused by non-linear loads. The simulation studies on a PV-based Cascaded-H-Bridge Multi-Level Inverter i.e Solar PV and Cascaded H Bridge MLI are integrated using Selective Harmonic Elimination method with D-STATCOM injected at the load side to improve power quality are presented in this project. The Solar PV system is mathematically modelled using Boost regulator and P&O MPPT technique and to the D-STATCOM the controller is designed utilizing Synchronous Reference Frame Theory (SRFT) out of many control strategies for reactive power compensation, harmonic mitigation, and power factor enhancement as it is more accurate. A 2nd order low pass filter is employed at the load side to reduce the harmonics to some extent, and both 5-level and 7-level models are evaluated. MATLAB/SIMULINK is used for simulation.