PROJECT TITLE :

A Low Capacitance Cascaded H-Bridge Multi-Level StatCom

ABSTRACT:

In this study, we develop a StatCom system that can operate with extremely low dc capacitance values. Capacitor ripple voltage and dc capacitance values are determined to determine the theoretical limit for the converter's maximum capacity. In the proposed LC-StatCOM, large capacitor voltage ripples, which are close to the theoretical maximum voltage ripple can be achieved. For the LC-StatCom, there is less stress on the semiconductors because of the lower voltage. Voltage in the LC-StatCom system dips below the maximum grid voltage, allowing a fixed maximum voltage on each individual capacitor. In the capacitive area, the LC-StatCom has an asymmetric V-I characteristic that makes it ideal for reactive power generation. Capacitor voltages will be controlled during highly dynamic transient occurrences by a high-bandwidth Control System devised for the planned StatCom Low-voltage prototypes of the proposed LC-StatCom system have been tested. System operation is demonstrated by experimental results, which show that the system is able to operate with waves of up to 90% of the nominal DC voltage. The LC-StatCom system's energy storage requirements are significantly reduced compared to a traditional StatCom architecture.