Voltage Control in Distribution Networks Using Current Source Converter STATCOM Based On State Feedback Controller and Kalman Filter

In transmission and Medium-Voltage (MV) distribution systems, the voltage can be controlled by reactive power due to the high X/R ratio of the cables/overhead lines. Maintaining voltage within a fixed limit is critical to ensure a safe operation of the electrical power network. In distribution networks, there are several solutions available for the voltage regulation. This paper introduces a voltage regulation scheme through reactive power compensation. Toward this goal, Current Source Converter (CSC)-based STATCOM that utilizes state feedback controller and reference tracking controller is proposed. STATCOM can provide reactive power to regulate the point of common coupling voltage. In addition, Kalman filter is designed to reduce the number of overall sensors required for controlling the reactive power, and to enhance the system robustness in the presence of measurement and process noise. The presented CSC-based STATCOM along with Kalman filter is tested with the proposed controller scheme in a modified IEEE test network using Matlab/Simulink and results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller and robust estimator.