Reactive power compensation using STATCOM in a PV grid connected system with a modified MPPT method

Commonly Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) are employed extensively as voltage regulators and VAR compensators in transmission networks in power systems. This research proposes the integration of STATCOMs in distribution networks, particularly in PV grid-connected systems that use distributed energy resources to reduce active and reactive power demand from the grid by supplying variable reactive power from an alternative supply which adapts to the load demand. This decreases the dependence on the utility power supply and promotes the integration of STATCOMs with renewables. Complete case studies between the differences in application of a fixed reactive power compensating condenser and STATCOM for dynamic VAR compensation to loads connected at the point of common coupling in a grid connected Photo-Voltaic (PV) system is presented. The scope of this research is to examine the behavior of dynamic loads, such as an induction motor, at steady state operation when the reactive power demand from the supply increases, as well as the effect of this demand variation on the network that supplies such loads. Complete system modeling and analysis for both scenarios, the fixed reactive power compensator and the STATCOM, supplying various load demands, have been developed. The simulation is based on a 100-kW rated PV grid-connected system to simulate behavior and performance of such study. Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System with Particle Swarm Optimization was used to extract the maximum power point of the PV array proceeded by a sliding mode controller. MATLAB/ Simulink was developed for modelling and analysis. Various load dynamics with varying solar irradiance and increasing reactive power demand of the associated load were simulated to evaluate various challenges and disturbances on the power supply. (c) 2022 THE AUTHORS. Published by Elsevier BV on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc-nd/4.0/).