REAL-TIME POWER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN HYBRIDMICROGRIDS USING D-STATCOM

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources into modern hybrid microgrids has created new challenges in maintaining power quality and system stability. Issues such as voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortion, unbalanced loads, and poor power factor are common when multiple distributed generation (DG) sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines, and diesel generators are combined with local loads. Traditional reactive power compensation devices have limited dynamic response, making them inadequate for real-time disturbance mitigation. This paper presents the application of a Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM) for real-time power quality enhancement in hybrid microgrids. The proposed system employs a voltage source converter (VSC) controlled through a synchronous reference frame (SRF) algorithm to provide dynamic reactive power compensation, harmonic elimination, and voltage stabilization. Simulation and experimental validation show that the D-STATCOM significantly improves voltage profiles, reduces harmonic distortion, and enhances overall system reliability, making it a suitable solution for hybrid power systems with high renewable penetration.