Meta Heuristic Algorithm Based Novel Dstatcom Architecture for Power Quality Improvement

Abstract

Electric utility systems are increasingly favoured as local energy systems due to their ability to integrate renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the resilience of the power grid. However, while these benefits are significant, they also present certain complexities related to control and power quality (PQ). PQ is crucial within utility systems to ensure the proper functioning of connected devices and the overall health of the system. Therefore, both voltage quality and current quality are of utmost importance. Control strategies combined with advanced power electronics devices (PED) provide a robust framework to address PQ challenges. This paper introduces a novel approach for constructing a distributed Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) utilizing innovative 125-level asymmetric multilevel DC link inverters to enable multilevel operation. A modified 125-level multilevel inverter aimed at enhancing power quality is proposed herein. By employing a minimal number of components, this inverter can generate 125-level voltages per phase, serving as a DSTATCOM to address power quality issues such as sag, swell, and harmonics. Bidirectional DC-DC converters are employed for purposes other than just providing power to the inverter's DC connections replacing DC sources. Additionally, the Coati Optimization Algorithm (COA), a newly introduced metaheuristic approach inspired by observed behavioural patterns in coatis in their natural habitat, is presented. COA is designed to emulate two primary behaviours of coatis: (i) their hunting strategy when pursuing iguanas and (ii) their evasion tactics when confronted by predators. To validate the effectiveness of the Coati Optimization algorithm, simulation is carried out with Matlab Simulink, and the outcomes of the simulation for the proposed scheme are provided in this paper. The efficacy of Solar-PV integrated 125-level asymmetric multilevel DC link inverter in enhancing power quality by adhering to the IEEE-519 Standards is demonstrated.