Ananya Kher
Independent Researcher
India
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of non‐linear loads in modern electric power distribution networks gives rise to voltage and current harmonics that degrade power quality, increase losses, accelerate equipment aging, and violate regulatory standards such as IEEE Std. 519–1992. Traditional passive filter solutions, while simple and cost-effective, suffer from resonance issues, fixed tuning to narrow frequency bands, and inability to adapt to varying system conditions. The Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM), an evolution of the Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) tailored for distribution systems, employs voltage‐source converter technology with pulse‐width modulation (PWM) to inject a controllable, high‐quality voltage waveform in quadrature with load currents. This allows real‐time harmonic compensation, voltage regulation, and reactive power support. This manuscript presents a comprehensive study on implementing DSTATCOM for harmonic mitigation in distribution feeders. It includes case studies on two representative feeders with varying load profiles, details the design and control methodology based on synchronous reference frame theory with Proportional‐Integral (PI) controllers, and reports simulation and field results demonstrating total harmonic distortion (THD) reduction from 12.5 % to below 5 % under balanced and unbalanced non‐linear loading. The findings confirm that DSTATCOM provides superior harmonic mitigation, dynamic voltage support, and compliance with power-quality standards.
KEYWORDS
DSTATCOM, harmonic mitigation, distribution systems, voltage-source converter, PWM, IEEE 519
REFERENCES
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