Distributed μ-STATCOM for voltage support and harmonic mitigation on low voltage networks

Proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs) on the low voltage network comes with a myriad of power quality problems such as voltage fluctuations and poor harmonic performance. Distributed mitigation solutions are being proposed for the low voltage network which are similar to state-of-the-art solutions in medium voltage networks. This paper presents a μ-STATCOM device as a distributed solution to interface with DER's at the leaf end of the network to achieve fine-tuned voltage regulation and mitigation of voltage harmonics. This solution combines the operation of low voltage grid-tied inverters (for both PV and battery systems) and passive or active voltage regulation devices. A general analysis of the effectiveness this solution along with simulation and experimental results are presented in this paper. A benchmark control algorithm has been designed to achieve the desired features of the proposed μ-STATCOM. The experimental setup consisted of a proof of concept hardware prototype rated at 5kW.