Modelling and Voltage Control of the Solar-Wind Hybrid Micro-Grid with Optimized STATCOM

Electricity generation from the wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are highly dependent upon weather conditions. Their intermittent nature leads to fluctuations in their output. Therefore, the need for rapid compensation for energy transmission and distribution systems is increasingly important. Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) can be adopted for reactive power compensation and for decreasing the voltage fluctuation caused by the system and renewable energy sources. This study presents modelling of a Solar PV -Wind Hybrid Micro-grid and the increase of the stable operating limit of the system in case of the incorporation of STATCOM is examined. The major contribution of this paper is the optimization of gain parameters of four PI controllers in STATCOM based on genetic algorithms (GA) and therefore obtaining better responses and voltage stability in terms of nonlinear nature of solar-wind hybrid micro-grid. The Simulink models of the system architecture include a 2 MW wind turbine model based on a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), 0.4 MW solar PV power system model and a STATCOM rated at 3 MVAR. It is certified that the voltage fluctuation at the end of the bus bar is reduced by 8 % using conventional PI controller. The results obtained by GA-based optimization of PI controllers are compared with that of the conventional controller and better results attained.