FLICKER MITIGATION IN VOLTAGE

Using 11-level VSC based STATCOM

FLICKER IN VOLTAGE ?
Flicker is rapid visible changes of light level. Definition of the characteristics of voltage fluctuations that produce objectionable light flicker has been the subject of ongoing research. Flicker is addressed as random or repetitive variations in the RMS voltage between 90 and 110% of nominal. This phenomenon is always caused by arc furnaces.

NEED FOR FLICKER MITIGATION

The voltage current characteristic of the arc is nonlinear, and is the cause of harmonic currents. These harmonic currents, when circulated in the electric network can generate harmonic voltages which in turn can affect other users. Blinking in incandesant bulbs is observable under voltage flicker in household.

Flicker may also affect sensitive electronic equipment such as television receivers or industrial processes relying on constant electrical power.
Lifetime of electrical appliances decrease.

FLICKER COMPENSATION TECHNIQUES

The most commonly used methods for compensation of voltage flicker is by regulating the EAF passive components, static VAR compensator (SVC) and DSTATCOM. Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM), which consists of an GTObased voltage source converter, uses advanced power switches to provide fast response and flexible voltage control at the PCC for power quality improvement in distribution systems.

STATCOM ?
The STATCOM has been defined as per CIGRE/IEEE with following three operating structural components. First component is Static: based on solid state switching devices with no rotating components; second component is Synchronous: analogous to an ideal synchronous machine with 3 sinusoidal phase voltages at fundamental frequency ; third component is

Compensator: provided with reactive compensation

TYPES OF STATCOMS
STATCOM is one of the key Converter-based Compensators which are usually based on the VSI or CSI. VSC are often preferred over current sourced converters for FACTS applications. The STATCOM is composed of a VSC with a dc capacitor, coupling transformer, and signal generator and control circuit .

Principle of operation
The STATCOM is basically a DC-AC voltage source converter with an energy storage unit, usually a DC capacitor . It operates as a controlled SVS connected to the line through a coupling transformer. Fig. shows the schematic configuration of STATCOM.

The STATCOM regulates voltage at its terminals by controlling the amount of reactive Current injected into or absorbed from the power system.

V-I & V-Q CHARACTERISTICS OF STATCOM

The STATCOM is essentially an alternating voltage source behind a coupling reactance with the corresponding V-I and V-Q characteristics shown in fig below. These show that STATCOM can be operated over its full output current range even at very low (theoretically zero), typically about 0.2 p.u. system voltage levels.

V-I characteristics

V-q characteristics

ADVANTAGES OF STATCOM
Quicker response time (A STATCOM has a step response of 8 ms to 30ms). This helps with compensation of negative phase current and with the reduction of voltage flicker. Active power control is possible with a STATCOM (with optional energy storage on dc circuit). This could further help with system stability control High efficiency High dynamic and very fast response time Single phase control for unbalanced Enables grid code compliance Small footprint Maximum reactive current over extended

Enhanced ride-through capability voltage range

High reliability and availability

APPLICATIONS OF STATCOM

H-BRIDGE VSC

CONTROL MECHANISMS OF STATCOM

types

closed loop control

open loop control

D-q theory

Fuzzy logic control

P-I control
P-Q theory

OPEN LOOP CONTROL

The schematic diagram for open loop control of STATCOM is shown in fig below

CLOSED LOOP P-I CONTROL OF STATCOM

Closed loop d-q theory p-I control of STATCOM is as shown below.

SIMULATION S IN MATLAB
Open loop control schema :-

Output wave forms

Closed loop control schema :-

STATCOM CONTROLLER BLOCK

Statcom ocntroller block consists of the following blocks

1.) PLL block with abc/dqo converter

2.) Ac voltage regulator 3.) Current regulator 4.) steady state MI regulator & Transcient MI regulator

SIMULATION RESULTS OF CLOSED LOOP CONTROL