Optimal 24-hr utilization of a PV solar system as STATCOM (PV-STATCOM) in a distribution network

This paper presents a novel optimal utilization of photovoltaic solar system as STATCOM for voltage regulation and power factor correction during both nighttime and daytime. The PV solar system conventionally generates real power during the day but the entire asset remains idle at night. This novel PV solar system operated as STATCOM is termed PV-STATCOM which utilizes the entire inverter capacity in the night and that remaining after real power generation during the day for accomplishing various STATCOM functionalities. Bluewater Power Corporation in Sarnia, Canada, is going to showcase this new concept of optimal utilization of PV solar system on a 10kW PV system in its network. The controller for the PV-STATCOM is being developed in the university lab and will be installed in the distribution utility network. A simulation model for the 10kW PV-STATCOM and the Bluewater Power distribution system network is developed in PSCAD software. This paper presents the steady state and transient performance of the PV-STATCOM controller for voltage regulation and power factor control both during nighttime and daytime. This proposed PV-STATCOM if connected at the terminals of an industrial customer having induction motor loads can help improve power factor and avoid potential penal tariffs over a 24-hour period, in addition to generating revenues due to sale of real power during the day.