FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION TO GRID STABILITY: THE ROLE OF D-STATCOM IN ADVANCED POWER QUALITY COMPENSATION

Abstract

The penetration of renewables into the power grid has posed many challenges for voltage stability, harmonic distortion, reactive power, distribution, and power quality in modern power systems. The scope of this study is to examine the application of Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (D-STATCOM) for grid stability improvement and to analyze advanced compensation for power quality issues in distribution systems connected with renewable energy. A research approach (quantitative simulation) was followed, and a sample of 100 operating scenarios was analysed for various renewable generation and load conditions with different combinations. The performance of the distribution system was assessed before and after the implementation of D-STATCOM by undertaking voltage regulation measurements, total harmonic distortion (THD) measurement, reactive power demand and power factor measurement, voltage sag measurement, and loss measurement of the distribution system. It was found that D-STATCOM enhanced the average PV value from 0.94 p.u. to 0.99 p.u., which gave a 5.32% improvement in voltage stability. By implementing the D-STATCOM, the THD was reduced from 8.43% to 2.27%, a 73.07% reduction. The reactive power demand fell from 420kVAR to 260 kVAR, and the power factor rose from 0.84 to 0.98. The system reduced from 52 kW to 34 kW, and the voltage sag reduced from 8.50% to 1.20% after compensation. The results showed that D-STATCOM was effective in dynamic compensation, power quality improvement, and enhancing the resilience of the power system under variable renewable energy conditions. The study indicated the need for advanced power-electronic compensating technologies in the development of a reliable and sustainable smart grid infrastructure.

Keywords:

AD-STATCOM; Grid Stability; Power Quality; Renewable Energy Integration; Smart Grid; Voltage Regulation.