N Narasimhulu , K N Jayasree P Peddareddy
STATCOMs are sometimes essential for voltage support in transmission networks. They can also be used for un-interrupted operation of wind farms equipped with doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) during grid faults. The only disadvantage of these STATCOM’s is quite expensive. This paper proposes the potential of a low-cost solution that utilizes the reactive power and voltage support capabilities of plug-in vehicles parked in charging stations (SmartParks) so that they can behave as virtual STATCOMs. For this solution, a 12-bus multi machine power system is considered wherein one of the conventional units is replaced by a 400MW wind farm. Twelve SmartParks are developed and integrated into the test system. First, they are connected to a weak bus in the system and used in voltage control mode. Their performances compared with a STATCOM of a similar rating. The control schemes of the DFIG rotor and grid-side converters and the STATCOM are suitably designed and coordinated. The entire study is carried out by MATLAB/Simulink Software.