Performance Improvement of Power System Using Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM)

STATCOM is a Static synchronous compensator which operates as a shunt connected static var compensator whose both capacitive as well as inductive output current can be controlled by the ac system voltage. STATCOM is one of the key FACTS Controllers. STATCOM is a reactive power source. It gives the voltage support by generating or absorbing capacitors. It normalize the voltage at its terminals by compensating the quantity of reactive power in or out from the power system Reactive power compensation is an important issue in the control of electrical power system. Reactive power increases the transmission system losses and reduces the power transmission capability of the transmission line. Moreover, reactive power flow through the transmission line can cause large amplitude variation in the receiving end voltage. In this paper study the shunt operation of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACT) controller, the Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), & how it helps in the better utilization of a network operating under normal condition. Effect of STATCOM in power system on reactive power control by proper modelling of simple power system and voltage source converter (VSC) based STATCOM using Simulink and simpower toolboxes in MATLAB. It is shown that with suitable control of STATCOM can inject a voltage of required magnitude in shunt with the transmission line. This helps in providing shunt compensation and improving the power flow of transmission line.