A hybrid STATCOM for economical system installation with proven dynamic and transient response

This paper introduces a hybrid STATCOM for economical installation and optimal system operation. The proposed Hybrid STATCOM (VSC + Capacitor Banks) considers 50% reduction of the converter rating which has been compensated by fixed capacitor banks connected in shunt. Hence, the STATCOM will operate in inductive mode of operation to regulate its terminal voltage to the desired reference value. Thus, the dynamic reactive power reserve will be doubled to react from inductive to maximum capacitive compensation in response to system contingencies. The test system simulated represents a wind park connected to a weak grid. The performance of the hybrid STATCOM is evaluated and analyzed with respect to full rating converter in view of dynamic and transient operation of three phase to ground fault. In addition, as overloading capability of STATCOM power electronic switches are commercially employed, the Hybrid STATCOM and full rated STATCOM are also tested with employing such feature during grid fault conditions. The proposed Hybrid STATCOM is economical and maintains the same dynamic and transient response as the full rating converter at different system strength.