Firefly Algorithm based LCL filtered grid-tied STATCOM design for reactive power compensation in SCIG based Micro-grid

Microgrids are facing several operational and control issues while integrating with the grid. To deal with it, STATCOM, as one of the emerging power converter circuits, is connected with such microgrids. STATCOM with microgrid introduces current harmonic, inherent resonance, and active power losses related to high switching frequency. Filter design can help attenuate these effects and maintain the predefined standards as in IEEE 519-1992 and IEEE P1547.2-2003. There are also some more points of concern about filter design. Inappropriate filter types and parameters may cause worse filtering, reactive power surplus production, and low power factor. Therefore, this paper suggests that the reactive power compensation capability, as a local area problem, must be attended through the proper designing of LCL filtered grid-tied STATCOM. The parameters are estimated through transient analysis, power quality, and power balance studies for proposed Micro-grid and the results obtained are compared using nature-inspired algorithms such as GA, PSO, and FA over conventional mathematical formulation. The main contributions of this work are; (i) study of system with the inclusion of voltage and frequency-dependent load, (ii) modified STATCOM model clubbing reactive power control feedback and LCL filter with damping resistance, (iii) real and reactive power tracking system using dynamic compensator capabilities, and (iv) suppression of total harmonic distortions along with real and reactive power tracking using advanced tuning for filter parameters with GA, PSO, and FA based algorithms. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.