Experience Of Statcom For Improvement Of Voltage Stability & Assistance In Avoiding Loss Of Generation Of Renewable Energy (Inverter Based Solar Power) In Western India

Renewable Energy Power (mostly importing power through 60 no. of different 220 kV solar plants ) & Transmission of same was done by using several 765 kV Lines & 400 kV Lines & majorly from 04 no. of 765/400/220 kV substations (at Fatehgarh-2, Bikaner-1, Bhadla-1,

Bhadla-2). Before installation of 400 kV STATCOM in Rajasthan, multiple instances of major

Grid disturbances involving loss of RE generation (around 2000-7000 MW) of inverter based resources (I.B.R.) R.E. Power (solar and wind) were experienced and Tripping of multiple 765 kV lines on Over-Voltage function (Temporary Over voltage ~834 kV or 1.09 p.u. in 765 kV

Lines) occurred during the period of 1.5 years (w.e.f. January-2022 to May-2023) in Rajasthan.

Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) have the capability of increasing system stability by absorbing or generating reactive power in few milliseconds. In order to resolve voltage stability issues arising after integration of large scale renewable energy (RE) sources in Western part of Indian Power System, hybrid reactive power compensation schemes combining

STATCOM with mechanically switched devices (MSC & MSR) have been deployed at three numbers of key pooling substations (at Bhadla-2, Fatehgarh-2, Bikaner-2) in Rajasthan state.

The paper explains the weak-grid (having Low S.C.R. around 3-5) mechanisms (Q/P imbalance under high corridor capacitance), outlines control philosophy for coordinated STATCOM operation (voltage droop, set-point selection). The results demonstrate a measurable / significant improvement in voltage stability margins and increased resilience of R.E. network of Rajasthan, India.