Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in

electrical power system

M.Sc Thesis Research Proposal

For

M.Sc in Electrical communication Engineering

Department of Electrical Engineering

Submitted By
Khadija Amir

Supervisor
Dr. Syed Waqar Shah

BOARD OF ADVANCED STUDIES AND RESEARCH

University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY,
PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

M.Sc THESIS RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Installation of a Static Compensator

Proposal Title (STATCOM) for the stability of voltage in
weak grids
Department of Electrical Engineering
Department and Specialization

Khadija Amir
Student Name

Amir Baiz khan

Father’s Name

Contact No. 03348884828

Email [email protected]

Registration No. 16MDTLC0768

Date of Registration in the Program 28-oct-2021

Research Supervisor DR. Syed Waqar Shah

Courses Studied
S. No. Course No. and Name Grade
1. EEC5290 Wireless communication and Propagation B+
2. EEC5276 Digital communication systems A-
3. EEC5281 Computer networks A-
4. EEC5286 Telecommunication Engineering B-
5. EEC5287 Fiber optic communication systems B
6.
7.
8.
9.
CGPA 3.47
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

1. Summary
A weak grid power system can induce various voltage fluctuations at the inverter terminals and
consequently cause voltage and frequency distortion and power loss, considering these voltage
distortion & reactive power issues we will design and implement STATCOM to enhance the
stability in weak grids. In this design, we will work on a voltage-controlled loop and the
current-controlled loop in a Static Compensator (STATCOM) and integration of STATCOM
into the power system. This also involves adjusting the parameters of the control algorithm to
ensure that the STATCOM provides the correct amount of reactive power to maintain the
desired voltage and current under different system conditions.

2. Introduction
The STATCOM is a power electronic device that can regulate the voltage at a specific point in
a power system. It does this by controlling the current flow between the power system and the
energy storage system. Our proposed STATCOM has both current and voltage-controlled
loops, ensuring maximum stability and reliability.

The current loop will regulate the reactive power flow, compensating for the dynamic changes
in the power system, while the voltage loop will ensure that the voltage remains within the
specified limits. Both loops work in tandem to provide optimal voltage stability, even in weak
grids where fluctuations are more frequent.

Our proposed STATCOM is based on the latest technology and is designed to provide fast and
accurate compensation, even in the presence of rapidly changing system conditions. The device
is highly efficient, with low losses, and has a long operating life with power factor improvement
when the inductive loads bring it down.

3. The Problem Statement

To provide reactive power compensation in power systems to improve voltage stability and
power quality. This is often necessary for weak electrical grids, where the voltage can fluctuate
due to changes in the system conditions. The STATCOM provides reactive power
compensation by controlling the flow of reactive power, which helps to maintain the voltage
within acceptable limits and improve power quality.
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

4. Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of a Static Compensator (STATCOM) are stated below while
considering the challenges of cost, complexity, and integration with the power system.

• Improving voltage stability

• Improving power quality
• Reducing system losses
• Enhancing system reliability
• Integration with the power system

5. Scope/Significance of the study

Weak grids resulting in major power losses and voltage fluctuations are the biggest issues
considered in the power system as it risks its stability to many extents. STATCOM acts as a
shunt device and is installed parallel to the power line to regulate the power reactive power
flowing through the line. STATCOM provides the solution to enhance stability and voltage
control which makes its applications not confined to one place or country rather it can be used
all around the world. STATCOM can be used in a general transmission system. Some
STATCOM applications demonstrate the capability to enhance damp power system
oscillations and to increase the power capabilities of ac lines.

6. Literature Review
In Pakistan, a substantial part of the distribution network is outdated and overstressed [1, 2].
This weak grid infrastructure is hampering the provision of available electricity in its proper
form, i.e. the electricity is provided to the end consumer in poor power quality, resulting in
high losses and reduced efficiency of the power system [3]. In addition, the loads connected to
the electrical network having poor power quality are less efficient and have a reduced lifetime
[4]. The main contributor to the poor power factor is an inadequate supply of reactive power
where low voltage loads up the supply system unnecessarily. It has been identified that the
majority of the industrial load and certain domestic loads are highly inductive such as induction
motors, air conditioners, AC/DC drives, welding machines, arc furnaces, fluorescent Lighting,
electronic controls, and computers [5]. The heavy inductive loads result in a very poor lagging
power factor and if left uncorrected, consumers heavily load the distribution grid. Many electric
utility companies assess a power factor penalty for a lower power factor (usually below 0.80
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

or 0.85). Some also incentive high power factor (above 0.95, for example). The weak
distribution grid is generally unable to compensate for the reactive power demand resulting in
reduced electrical network efficiency. The power factor improvement in a weak distribution
grid is a challenging problem, particularly when it may not be economical to upgrade the
network. Therefore, to cope with an outdated Power factor correction for domestic and small
industrial consumers in Pakistan Page 5 overstressed the distribution power network of
Pakistan, the electricity consumers have mostly employed voltage regulators or capacitor banks
to regulate the voltage on AC power distribution lines.
The consumers need to correct the power factor for the following reasons:
• Large quantity of induction motors for driving pumps, conveyors, and other machinery
in the plant causes the power factor to be inherent. For lower power factor, usually
below 0.80 or 0.85, electric utility companies place a power factor penalty on the
industry.
• Many electric utility companies charge for maximum metered demand based on either
the highest registered demand in kilowatts (KW meter) or a percentage of the highest
registered demand in KVA (KVA meter), whichever is greater. If the power factor is
low, the percentage of the measured KVA will be significantly greater than the KW
demand.
• Loads drawing reactive power also demand reactive current causing an excessive loss
in the distribution system
• A lower power factor causes a higher current flow for a given load. As the line, current
increases, the voltage drop in the conductor increases, which may result in a lower
voltage at the equipment due to which they do not operate effectively
• Uncorrected power factor causes excessive loss in the distribution system
• Excessive voltage drops to cause overheating and premature failure of other equipment
Energy saving is achieved The voltage regulators try to maintain constant output
voltage for loads (air conditioners, refrigerators, induction motors, etc.). The voltage
stabilizers are equipped with VARIAC (autotransformer) where a servomechanism is
used to select an appropriate tap on multiple taps autotransformer. If the output voltage
is not in the acceptable range, the servomechanism switches the tap, changing the turn
ratio of the transformer to move the secondary voltage close to an acceptable level. The
controls also provide a dead band preventing it from constantly adjusting the voltage as
it varies by an acceptably small amount.
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

7. Research Methodology
The implementation of a Static Compensator (STATCOM) involves the following steps:

• System analysis:

The first step is to perform a thorough analysis of the power system, including the load and
generation patterns, the voltage profile, and the location of the STATCOM. This will help to
determine the best location for the STATCOM to provide maximum voltage stability.

• Equipment specification:

Based on the system analysis, the next step is to specify the required STATCOM equipment,
including the type of power electronic converter, the energy storage system, and the control
system.

• Installation and commissioning:

Once the equipment has been specified, the next step is to install and commission the
STATCOM. This includes installing the power electronic converter, energy storage system,
and control system and making all necessary electrical and communication connections.

• Testing and validation:

After installation, the STATCOM should be thoroughly tested and validated to ensure that it is
operating correctly and meeting the specified performance requirements. This includes testing
the control, energy storage, and power electronic converter.

• System integration:

Finally, the STATCOM should be integrated into the power system, and the control system
should be configured to provide optimal voltage stability. The system should be regularly
monitored and tested to ensure that it continues to meet the specified performance
requirements.

7.1 Simulation modelling

System modeling will be done of the Static VAR compensator in MATLAB (Simulink). Load
and SVC are connected with the system through a step-down transformer and the output of
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

different signals is obtained and analyzed to view reactive power consumed by the system,
three-phase voltages, and currents.

The main challenges in implementing STATCOM include:

Voltage stability: The STATCOM must provide the correct amount of reactive power to
maintain voltage stability in the power system. This involves designing the control system to
respond to changes in the system conditions in real time.

Power quality: The STATCOM must provide reactive power compensation in a manner that
does not harm the power quality of the system. This requires designing the control system to
provide the correct amount of reactive power while minimizing harmonics and other forms of
power quality degradation.

Cost and complexity: STATCOMs can be complex and expensive, and it is important to
design the system to minimize costs while maintaining the desired performance.

Integration with the power system: The STATCOM must be integrated into the power
system in a manner that does not harm the system or cause other issues. This involves ensuring
that STATCOM provides the correct amount of reactive power while maintaining the stability
and reliability of the power system.

8. Expected Results and their Utilization:

The results presented in the paper will prove that the STATCOM is an effective solution for
reducing voltage fluctuations caused by disturbing loads. Robust reactive power control on a
weak grid will facilitate stabilizing the voltage and enhancing the power factor and increasing
the efficiency of electrical loads and distribution grids. The proposed Prototype addresses the
shortcomings of the voltage stabilizers and fixed capacitor bank thus having more commercial
benefits.

9. Experimental Setup/Equipment Required:

The required experimental setup and environment are present in the US Pakistan center for
advanced studies in Energy (USPCASE-E).
 Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

11. Work Schedule Plan:

The work plan given below will be followed:

a. Proposed starting date 1/03/2023

b. Expected date of completion 1/07/2023

Activity 2023 2023

March March April May May June…. June July

Literature
Collection
Literature Review
Phase 1 data
collection
Phase 2 design
and modelling
Phase 3
Evaluation and
testing
Thesis Write up
Submission

References:
[1] Islamabad Chambers of commerce and industry, “Islamabad Chambers of commerce and
industry,” [Online]. Available online at: www.icci.com.pk.
[2] A. J. Khan, “Structure and regulation of electricity network in Pakistan,” Institute of
Business Administration Karachi, Karachi.
[3] P. H. M. e. a. P Sorensen, “Power Quality and Integration of Wind Farms in Weak Grids
in India,” RISO Technical University of Denmark,, April 2000..
[4] D. F. D. Dr. Kurt Schipman, THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD POWER QUALITY,
Belgium.: ABB Power Quality Products,.
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

[5] E. E. C. Marlar Thein Oo, “Improvement of Power Factor for Industrial Plant with
Automatic Capacitor Bank,” in World Academy Of Science, Engineering And Technology ,
August 2008.
[6] Das, Sankar, Debashis Chatterjee, and Swapan Kumar Goswami. "SVC Switching Scheme
for Load Balancing and Source Power Factor Improvement." IEEE Transactions on Power
Delivery 31.5 (2016): 2072-2082.

Undertaking

I certify that the research work titled “Voltage control and power quality enhancement using
STATCOM in electrical power system” is my work. The work has not, in whole or in part,
been presented elsewhere for assessment. Where material has been used from other sources,
it has been properly acknowledged/referred to.

Signature of Student

Name of Student
Khadija Amir
Registration Number
16MDTLC0768
Voltage control and power quality enhancement using STATCOM in electrical power system

Name Signature and Date

Student Khadija Amir

Supervisor
Dr.
Remarks:

Recommendation of the
Post-Graduate Advisor Dr. Salman Ahmed
Remarks:

Dr. Laiq Hasan

Recommendation and
Signature of Project Dr. Salman Ahmed
Research Evaluation
Committee (PREC): Dr. Safdar Nawaz Khan
Remarks: Marwat

Dr. Arbab Masood Ahmad

Approval by Chairman
DCSE Dr. Laiq Hasan
Remarks:

Recommendation of the
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Gul
Secretary BOASAR

Recommendation of the
Prof. Dr. Naeem Arbab
Dean, Faculty of ECE

Approval by the Vice

Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Hussain
Chancellor