PV module integration with STATCOM for reactive power compensation

Generation and Transmission of power is a complex process, which requires the working of many components of the power system so as to deliver the maximum power output. We need to manage the flow of Active and Reactive power in an efficient and economic way so as to improvise the performance of power systems. Thus, a Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) integrated with Photovoltaic (PV) module can be used to optimize the reactive power flow by varying the level of voltage for the Voltage Source Converter with respect to source bus voltage. By connecting PV modules directly to STATCOM, the requirement of DC-DC Converter can be completely overcome as STATCOM regulates DC voltage at optimal value. In the present integrated study system using PV and STATCOM simulated in Simulink software, the effect of varying solar irradiance and changing the number of solar cell modules on the reactive power have been studied.