Multi-functional DSTATCOM to improve power quality and energy efficiency in petrochemical plant

Variable speed drives (VSDs) are used extensively for pumping and compressor applications in petrochemical plants of the Jurong Island in Singapore. Usage of VSDs cause power quality issues like harmonic distortions and voltage fluctuations in the system. This paper investigates the power quality and energy efficiency improvement in the chemical plant by installing Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) to mitigate the current harmonics, for reactive power compensation and to mitigate load balances. The DSTATCOM is controlled using Synchronous Reference Frame (SRF). To check the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulation results were carried out for the 1 MW motor drive system with 12-pulse rectifier system and 6-pulse rectifier with DSTATCOM. The methodology has been verified through the small scale experimental laboratory setup of 7.5 kW motor drive system. In addition, CO
2
emissions has been estimated for the system based on emission factor given by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines.