Optimized Multilevel Inverter Control for Reactive Power Compensation in PV-Driven STATCOM Systems
Strong power system infrastructure is more important than earlier due to the growing demand for electricity in the generating, transmission, and distribution sectors. Specifically, the extensive and uncontrolled usage of both linear and nonlinear loads in distribution networks creates significant power quality issues. High-voltage power systems that incorporate Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) play a crucial role in reactive power compensation, voltage management, and power quality enhancement. A unique 17-level Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) inverter topology is proposed in this study to improve dynamic response and maintain system efficiency. A Renewable Energy Source (RES) is added to the system through a solar PV array interfaced by a Modified Luo DC-DC converter, which supports the inverter control technique and enables effective power extraction under changeable temperature and irradiance conditions. An Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO)-tuned PI controller governs the converter, dynamically adjusting the duty cycle to maintain a steady DC-link voltage for the STATCOM. With effective adjustment of the positive, negative, and harmonic components of current under dynamic grid conditions, the suggested system is put into practice using MATLAB simulation.