A Novel Control algorithm based DSTATCOM for Load Compensation

Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) has been used as a custom power device for voltage regulation and load compensation in the distribution system. Controlling the switching angle has been the biggest challenge in DSTATCOM. Till date, Proportional Integral (PI) controller is widely used in practice for load compensation due to its simplicity and ability. However, PI Controller fails to perform satisfactorily under parameters variations, nonlinearities, etc. making it very challenging to arrive at best/optimal tuning values for different operating conditions. Fuzzy logic and neural network based controllers require extensive training and perform better under limited perturbations. Model predictive control (MPC) is a powerful control strategy, used in the petrochemical industry and its application has been spread to different fields. MPC can handle various constraints, incorporate system nonlinearities and utilizes the multivariate/univariate model information to provide an optimal control strategy. Though it finds its application extensively in chemical engineering, its utility in power systems is limited due to the high computational effort which is incompatible with the high sampling frequency in these systems. In this paper, we propose a DSTATCOM based on Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control (FCS-MPC) with Instantaneous Symmetrical Component Theory (ISCT) based reference current extraction is proposed for load compensation and Unity Power Factor (UPF) action in current control mode. The proposed controller performance is evaluated for a 3 phase, 3 wire, 415 V, 50 Hz distribution system in MATLAB Simulink which demonstrates its applicability in real life situations.