Abstract

This study presents the design and construction of an economical static reactive power compensator using inexpensive Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC), with the aim to add dynamic response to local distribution power systems. As FACTS devices have been more prevalent to perform instantaneous power compensation providing the enhancement of transient voltage and system stability. For some distribution networks, its price and complicated operation make FACTS devices unfavorable. The PIC is programmed as the heart of the overall control system for monitoring voltage, generating controlled signal and modulating PI feedback-loop. Simulation was carried out to guide the control design. Experimental results show the performance of the system response. This implies that the proposed compensator can be used for real applications and envisages the future replacement of mechanical-switched capacitor/reactor.

Keywords:

Inexpensive control system, PIC, static var compensator,

References

1. Basilio, J.C. and S.R. Matos, 2002. Design of PI and PID controllers with transient performance specification. J. IEEE Trans. Educ., 45(4): 364-370.
   CrossRef    
2. Hang, C.C., K.J. Astrom and W.K. Ho, 1991. Refinements of the Ziegler-Nichols tuning formula. J. IEE Proc. Control Theory Appl., 138(2): 111-118.
   CrossRef    
3. Kundur, P., 1994. Power System Stability and Control. McGraw-Hill Inc., New York.
   PMid:8023526    
4. Song, Y.H. and A.T. Johns, 1999. Flexible Ac Transmission Systems (FACT). IEE Power and Energy Series 30, London.
   
5. Srithorn, P., M. Sumner, L. Yao and R. Parashar, 2008. Power system stabilisation using STATCOM with supercapacitors. IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting, Oct. 5-9, pp: 1-8.
   CrossRef    
6. Zang, X.P., B. Pal and C. Rehtanz, 2006. Flexible AC Transmission Systems: Modelling and Control. Springer, Berlin.
   

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

Open Access Policy

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

Copyright

The authors have no competing interests.