Simulation and Analysis of a D-STATCOM for Load Compensation and Power Factor Improvement

Power Generation and Transmission is a complex process, requiring the working of many components of the power system in tandem to maximize the output. One of the main components to form a major part is the reactive power in the system. It is required to maintain the voltage to deliver the active power through the lines. Loads like motor loads and other loads require reactive power for their operation. To improve the performance of ac power systems, we need to manage this reactive power in an efficient way and this is known as reactive power compensation. In developing countries like India, where the variation of power frequency and many such other determinants of power quality are themselves a serious question, it is very vital to take positive steps in this direction. The work presented here illustrates a method to compensate for the load reactive power using a DSTATCOM A DSTATCOM injects a current into the system to provide for the reactive component of the load current. The validity of proposed method and achievement of desired compensation are confirmed by the results of the simulation in MATLAB/ Simulink. Index Terms: DSTATCOM, Load compensation, Power factor correction, Reactive Power.