Review on STATCOM based Control Schemes for Grid-Connected Solar Energy Systems to Improve Power Quality

The integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into modern power grids offers significant environmental and economic benefits, but it also introduces various power quality challenges. Issues such as voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortion, reactive power imbalance, and poor power factor arise due to the intermittent nature of solar energy and the use of power electronic converters. This work focused on the application of a STATCOM-based control scheme to improve power quality in grid-connected solar PV systems. The STATCOM, connected at the point of common coupling, provides effective reactive power compensation and harmonic mitigation. The use of a hysteresis current controller ensures fast dynamic response, accurate current tracking, and improved system stability under varying solar conditions. Additionally, the integration of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) enhances the overall performance by stabilizing the DC-link voltage and supporting power balance during fluctuations. Simulation results validate that the proposed system significantly reduces total harmonic distortion, maintains voltage within permissible limits, and achieves near-unity power factor. Overall, the STATCOM-based control scheme proves to be a reliable, efficient, and practical solution for enhancing power quality and ensuring stable grid integration of solar PV systems.

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