Chapter
Power Quality Improvement in
Distribution System
Bhavya Kanchanapalli and Sujatha Banka
Abstract
Without electricity, our society would not function in this advanced period. Power
supplies of high quality and dependability improve the amount of power that can
be transported and distributed. One of the key factors in the power system is power
quality. It has grown in significance, especially with the advent of cutting-edge tech-
nology. The quality of the power source affects these modern gadgets more strongly.
Voltage, current, and frequency at the rated value are referred to as power quality.
Any deviation from the usual rating in these amounts is seen as a sign of a power qual-
ity issue. It is preferred to employ specialized power devices at the distribution side
to get around these power quality issues. DVR and D-STATCOM are chosen among
other custom power devices for usage in boosting power quality. The D-STATCOM
and DVR are compared in this article using MATLAB software.
Keywords: power quality (PQ ), custom power devices (CPD), dynamic voltage
restorer (DVR), distribution flexible AC transmission system (D-FACTS), distribution
static compensator (DSTATCOM)
1. Introduction
Concerns pertaining to power quality (PQ ) are now the most prevalent [1, 2].
The nature of electric loads has completely changed as a result of the extensive
use of electronic equipment, including information technology equipment, power
electronics, adjustable speed drives (VSD), programmable logic controllers (PLC),
and energy-efficient lighting [3]. These loads are both the main contributors to and
the main targets of issues with power quality. All of these loads disrupt the voltage
waveform because they are non-linear.
Periodically, transient overvoltages (surges/spikes), swells, flickers, uncontrolled
voltages, voltage dips/sags, interruptions, and waveform disturbances (power factor,
harmonics, among others) can all affect electrical equipment (Figure 1) [4].
The word “Power Quality” refers to the quality of voltage, power, and electric
current. Power quality concerns such as voltage sags and swells must be handled in
the current day. Voltage sags may occur instantaneously and persist from half a cycle
to 1 minute. The average voltage will fall by 0.1 to 0.9 pu. Voltage swell, on the other
hand, is defined as a rise in rms voltage or current at the power frequency over periods
ranging from 0.5 cycles to 1 minute. Magnitudes usually vary between 1.1 and 1.8 pu
[5]. As a result, they are a common source of power electronics equipment failure
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Power Quality – New Insights
Figure 1.
Various power quality issues in power systems representation.
in contemporary power systems. Voltage swells are less relevant than voltage sags in
distribution networks due to their rarity. Voltage sags may occur in both single-phase
and three-phase systems. Single-phase voltage sags, on the other hand, have been
proven to be prevalent and frequent in the power industry.
2. Faults in the power systems
2.1 Single line to ground faults
In comparison to other fault categories, this problem is less severe and occurs more
frequently. There is a 65–70% likelihood of a defect occurring. Any time a line or
conductor touches the neutral conductor or falls to the ground, the SLG fault occurs.
Due to the imbalanced fault, the equipment is damaged and the system’s conditioning
is not balanced [2, 4].
2.2 Double line to ground (DLG) fault
DLG faults account for about 15–20% of all defects. Whenever two lines short
circuit and come into contact with the earth, a fault is created. In contrast to SLG
faults, this fault causes the system to become imbalanced and results in more signifi-
cant damage to the system whenever it happens [2, 4].
2.3 Line-to-Line (LL) fault
Within the symmetrical faults, this is an unusual fault. Additionally, there is only a
5–10% possibility of this problem occurring. Line-to-line faults occur when two lines
short circuit. Within the short-circuited wires, current is flowing due to this problem.
When compared to the double line-toto-ground fault, this defect is more severe [2, 4].
Very serious and infrequently occurring faults are symmetrical faults. These flaws,
which are also known as balanced faults, are as follows:
2.4 Three-phase to ground fault
Three-phase faults have a 2–3% probability of happening. Because the system
maintains its balanced state even in the presence of faults. However, the system’s
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equipment is seriously damaged. When heavy loads are connected and disconnected
suddenly, when the grid power supply is unstable, when there are interruptions in
the long-distance power supply from the distribution transformer, or when there is a
need to boost the power supply to a remote location. The load in a three-phase system
is said to be unbalanced for a variety of reasons. Voltage sag, various fault types, and
voltage swell are the major causes of voltage disturbance in all of these scenarios. The
system may experience a brownout or blackout if the issues are not resolved within a
reasonable amount of time. Therefore, short circuit defects in the power system, and
voltage swell are therefore regarded as power quality issues in this study [5].
3. Definitions of Power Quality issues
Power Quality refers to the consistency and reliability of electrical power in terms
of its voltage, frequency, and other characteristics. Poor power quality can lead to vari-
ous problems in electrical systems, including equipment malfunction, downtime, and
increased maintenance costs. Here are some key definitions related to power quality:
Voltage Sag (or Dip): A short-term decrease in the RMS voltage that lasts from half
a cycle to several seconds. Sags can cause sensitive equipment to malfunction or shut
down (Figure 2) [6].
Voltage Swell: A short-term increase in the RMS voltage. Like sags, swells can
negatively affect sensitive equipment (Figures 3 and 4) [6].
Figure 2.
Voltage sag representation.
Figure 3.
Voltage swell representation.
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Power Quality – New Insights
Figure 4.
Frequency variation.
Figure 5.
Trasient over voltage.
Frequency Variations: Deviations from the standard power system frequency (e.g.,
50 Hz or 60 Hz). Significant frequency variations can affect the operation of time-
sensitive equipment [6].
Transient Overvoltage: A sudden increase in voltage above the normal level, typi-
cally lasting for a short duration. Transient overvoltages can damage equipment if not
adequately protected (Figure 5) [6].
4. Power interruptions
An electrical load losing power is known as a “power interruption,” and it is the
most basic kind of power quality issue. The various types of power outages are classi-
fied based on how long they last.
A momentary disruption occurs when there is a total absence of voltage on one or
more phase wires for a duration ranging from 0.5 cycles to 3 seconds.
Figure 6.
Various power interruptions.
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A momentary disruption occurs when there is a total absence of voltage on one or
more phase wires for a duration ranging from 3 seconds to 1 minute.
A total loss of voltage on one or more phase wires for longer than a minute is
referred to as a persistent interruption (Figure 6) [6].
5. Flicker, transients, and noise
The visual phenomenon known as “flicker” in lighting circuits is the result of
repeated voltage decreases [6]. The name “flicker” does not necessarily apply to
generic voltage fluctuations; rather, it describes a particularly specific issue with
how humans perceive the light generated by incandescent light bulbs.
Arc welders, electric boilers, industrial motors, lasers, photocopying machines,
sawmills, and X-ray equipment are a few typical sources of flicker (Figure 7).
Transients are caused by spikes superimposed over sine waves of voltage or cur-
rent, with amplitudes varying from a few volts to several thousand volts. Electronic
devices, VFDs, and switching inductive loads usually create low-energy transients
continually, but lighting and utility switching usually cause high-energy impulsive
transients of brief duration.
Impulsive transients can have a duration of 50 ns to more than 1 ms. The duration
of oscillatory transients varies between 0.3 milliseconds and 5 microseconds.
Unwanted, high-frequency oscillations superimposed on a sine wave of alternat-
ing voltage or current are referred to as noise. This phenomenon can cause electrical
equipment like computers and programmable controllers to malfunction and is
typically exacerbated by incorrect grounding.
6. Power factor, unbalance, and harmonics
Electrical loads frequently consist of more than just pure resistance; in an AC
system, the impedance is the result of the combination of reactance and resistance.
There are two types of reactance: capacitive and inductive, neither of which adds to
the power system’s “useful” work (Figure 8).
The power factor is a metric used to describe the amount of electrical power used
to run machines, heat, or lights. A low power factor indicates that a significant quan-
tity of energy is wasted as heat in the system, which often translates into increased
energy costs and equipment deterioration.
Figure 7.
Flicker, transients, and noise representation.
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Power Quality – New Insights
Figure 8.
Power triangle.
Impedances in motors, solenoids, and pumps are usually a mixture of resistance
and inductive reactance, and they change depending on the machine’s mechanical
load. The impedance of a greater capacitive reactance component and a normally tiny
resistance. When up the impedance of a capacitor.
The sine waves of the voltage and current in an AC system will move out of phase
when reactance is present. The two cancel each other out: voltage leads current with
capacitive reactance component and current leads voltage with inductive reactance.
Industrial facilities that have a lot of motors or other inductive loads often have a
low power factor. Large commercial and industrial clients are usually charged more
by utility providers for poor power factor.
When single-phase loads, such as office equipment and lights, do not consume
the same amount of current on each phase, the neutral conductor is put under more
stress, which leads to an imbalance in three-phase power systems. Even if the currents
may not be in phase with the voltages, an ideal situation arises when the loads are
balanced, which means that the voltage and current phases are precisely 120 degrees
away from each other (Figure 9).
Waveform distortion, known as harmonics, may be found in circuits that include
semiconductor-based devices, including test equipment, computers, robots, LED
lights, electronic ballasts, and switching power supplies. Higher frequency sine waves
on the system by these “non-linear” loads, increasing power loss via lost heat [6].
The excessive heat production may be harmful to a power system. Transformers are
particularly vulnerable to harmonic damage because of stray “eddy currents” that cir-
culate inside the iron core of the transformer and generate excessive heat (Figure 10).
Figure 9.
Unbalance representation.
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Figure 10.
Harmonic analysis.
The frequency in multiples of the “fundamental” or primary frequency (60 Hz
in the US) is used to identify harmonics. In a system operating at 60 Hz, for
instance, the third harmonic would be 180 Hz (60 × 3 = 180) and the fifth harmonic
would be 300 Hz (60 × 5 = 300) [6].
Power quality metres may be used to measure each harmonic frequency’s magni-
tude; the results are often shown as a harmonic spectrum. When using power quality
metres, total harmonic distortion (THD) and total demand distortion (TDD) are
sometimes used to reduce harmonic distortion to a single value rather than a spectrum.
7. Power Quality standards
There are a number of industry standards available that address the correct proce-
dures and methods for performing a power quality analysis. These standards should
be reviewed to help better understand the science behind monitoring and correcting
power quality:
1. ANSI C84.1 - American National Standard for Electric Power Systems and
Equipment—Voltage Ratings (60 Hz)
2. IEC 61000 - IEC standards on Electromagnetic compatibility
3. IEEE 519 - IEEE Recommended Practice and Requirements for Harmonic Con-
trol in Electric Power Systems
4. IEEE 1159 - IEEE Recommended Practice for Monitoring Electric Power Quality
5. IEEE 1250 - IEEE Guide for Identifying and Improving Voltage Quality in Power
Systems
6. IEEE 1668 - IEEE Trial-Use Recommended Practice for Voltage Sag and Short
Interruption Ride-Through Testing for End-Use Electrical Equipment Rated Less
than 1000 V
7. IEEE 1789 - IEEE Recommended Practices for Modulating Current in High-
Brightness LEDs for Mitigating Health Risks to Viewers
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Power Quality – New Insights
8. Solutions for Power Quality issues
A Custom Power Device (CPD) is one efficient technique to decrease voltage sags
and swells caused by power quality concerns [7]. DSTATCOM and DVR are currently
among the most common power devices due to their use of Voltage Source Converter
(VSC) technology. Because these critical powers are delivered to the client through
power electronics controller devices, they are sometimes referred to as specialized
power devices. Some research has given promising concepts for decreasing voltage sag
induced by motor startup using D-STATCOM. These solutions are only partly suc-
cessful since they can only decrease the duration of a voltage sag occurrence or boost
the voltage level during it. They are also not adaptable solutions since, according to
research that employed DVR to reduce voltage sag induced by starting an induction
motor, the efficacy of compensation might be reduced when motor rating changes.
The DVR operates by injecting an in-phase series voltage into the load together with
the incoming supply, just enough to return the voltage to its pre-sag condition. It has a
proven track record of avoiding voltage sags in practical installations. Figure 11 shows
various Power Quality Issues.
On several occasions, efforts have been undertaken to provide an active and
flexible solution for power quality problems. One of these power quality methods
that is widely used to lower harmonics is lossless passive filters with L-C tuned
components. Passive filters are preferred due to their low starting cost and high
initial efficiency. It has a number of drawbacks, including utility impedance, fixed
compensation, resonance with supply and loads, and instability. These limitations
have been circumvented by the use of active power filters. Active power filters can
be made in shunt, series, or hybrid forms. Hybrid is created by combining series and
Figure 11.
Power quality issues in distribution system.
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shunt types. Voltage-based distortions, whereas corrected using series APF corrects
current-based distortions, whereas corrected using shunt APF. Hybrid APF is used to
filter high-order harmonics. In typical applications, their rating might occasionally be
fairly near to load (up to 80%), which is an issue. This makes it impossible to achieve
the appropriate level of power quality. Power outages and dissatisfied consumers are
the outcomes of this. Innovative power electronics controller devices have been made
available during the past few decades in an effort to increase the reliability of the
distribution system and deal with power disturbance concerns. The creation of power
electronics controller devices led to the birth of customized power.
The “Custom Power” strategy intends to primarily satisfy the requirements of
industrial and commercial customers. In order to provide the degree of quality that
picky customers want, “custom power” refers to tools for integrating power electron-
ics controllers into a power distribution system.
They are also known as customized power devices since these significant powers
are delivered to users through these power electronics controller devices. Most of
them are available for sale as goods and perform effectively at medium distribution
levels. VSI is often used to develop specialized power devices since it can maintain the
DC bus voltage on its own utilizing a large DC capacitor. The two major categories of
bespoke power equipment are:
1. Type 1: Network reconfiguration
2. Type 2: Compensating (Figure 12)
8.1 D-STATCOM
One of the Shunt connected DFACTS devices is the Distributed Static
Compensator (DSTATCOM). The DSTATCOM system is made up of three major
components: a Voltage Source Converter (VSC), a collection of coupling reactors, and
a controller. A DSTATCOM placed in a power system generates a controlled alternat-
ing current voltage source through a voltage source inverter (VSI) coupled to a DC
Figure 12.
Types of custom power devices.
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Power Quality – New Insights
Figure 13.
Symbol of DSTATCOM.
capacitor (energy storage device). In general, the alternating current voltage source
appears behind a transformer leakage reactance. The voltage differential across this
reactance causes active and reactive power transfer between the power supply and the
DSTATCOM. The DSTATCOM is linked to the power networks if there is a voltage-
quality issue. All necessary voltages and currents are monitored and supplied into
the controller, where they are compared to the orders. The controller then conducts
feedback control and generates a series of switching signals to operate the power
converter’s primary semiconductor switches (IGBTs, which are employed at the
distribution level) (Figure 13).
8.2 The operation of DSTATCOM
The firing angle is used to adjust the firing angle. The output voltage of the VSI
should ideally be in phase with the voltage of the bus to which the DSTATCOM is
attached. The dc side capacitance is kept constant at a given voltage in steady state,
and there is no practical power exchange except for losses. The DSTATCOM differs
from other reactive power producing devices (such as shunt capacitors, static VAR
compensators, and so on) in that energy storage is optional and only necessary for
system imbalance or harmonic absorption. The DSTATCOM has two control goals
in place. The first is the alternating current voltage control of the power supply at
the bus to which the DSTATCOM is attached. The other is DC voltage control across
the DSTATCOM’s capacitor. Shunt reactive power injection is well recognized for its
ability to adjust bus voltage. Two voltage regulators are developed for these functions
in a traditional control system. AC voltage regulator for controlling bus voltage and
DC voltage regulator for controlling capacitor voltage [2, 4]. Both regulators in the
simplest scheme are proportional integral (PI) controllers.
8.2.1 Operating modes
It is operated in three modes.
Mode 1: If the DSTATCOM voltage is greater than the Grid Voltage, DSTATCOM
supplies the Reactive Power to the Grid, so this mode is named as Capacitive Mode.
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Figure 14.
Modes of operation.
Mode 2: If the Grid voltage is greater than the DSTATCOM voltage, the Reactive
Power is absorbed by the DSTATCOM, so this mode is called Inductive Mode.
Mode 3: If the grid voltage is equal to DSTATCOM Voltage, then there is no
exchange of Reactive Power. So this is called as Floating Mode (Figure 14).
A Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM) offers several
advantages in electrical distribution systems, especially in addressing power quality
issues. Here are some of the key advantages of using DSTATCOM:
1. Reactive Power Compensation: DSTATCOM can provide dynamic reactive power
support to maintain system voltage levels within desired limits, thereby improv-
ing voltage stability and ensuring efficient power transfer.
2. Voltage Regulation: By injecting or absorbing reactive power as needed, DSTAT-
COM helps regulate voltage levels, reducing voltage fluctuations and ensuring
consistent voltage supply to critical loads.
3. Harmonics Mitigation: DSTATCOM can mitigate harmonics in the distribution
system by injecting counteracting currents, thereby improving the quality of power
and reducing the risk of equipment damage and inefficiencies caused by harmonics.
4. Power Factor Correction: DSTATCOM can correct power factor issues by supply-
ing or absorbing reactive power, helping utilities and industrial facilities comply
with regulatory requirements and improve overall system efficiency.
5. Fast Response Time: DSTATCOM offers rapid response capabilities, allowing it
to quickly compensate for voltage variations, harmonics, and other power qual-
ity issues, thereby minimizing disruptions and ensuring reliable operation of
electrical systems.
6. Flexible Installation: DSTATCOM can be installed in various configurations
(shunt, series, or combined) based on specific application requirements, allow-
ing for flexible integration into existing distribution systems.
7. Energy Savings: By improving power quality, reducing losses associated with
poor power factor, and optimizing voltage levels, DSTATCOM can help reduce
energy consumption and improve overall system efficiency.
8. Enhanced System Reliability: By addressing voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and
other power quality issues, DSTATCOM helps enhance system reliability, reduce
downtime, and extend the lifespan of electrical equipment and components.
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Power Quality – New Insights
9. Scalability: DSTATCOM systems can be designed and scaled to meet specific
application requirements, making them suitable for a wide range of distribution
system configurations and load profiles.
10. Compliance with Standards: DSTATCOM solutions can help utilities, industrial
facilities, and commercial establishments comply with various power quality
standards, regulations, and guidelines related to voltage regulation, harmonics
mitigation, and power factor correction.
In summary, DSTATCOM offers a range of benefits for improving power quality,
enhancing system reliability, and ensuring efficient operation of electrical distri-
bution systems. By addressing voltage regulation, reactive power compensation,
harmonics mitigation, and other power quality issues, DSTATCOM helps utilities
and end-users maintain high-quality power supply, optimize energy efficiency, and
reduce operational costs.
8.3 Dynamic voltage restorer (DVR)
In 1996, a 12.47 kV system in Anderson, South Carolina became the first DVR to be
deployed in North America. DVRs have since been used to safeguard crucial loads in
the utility, semiconductor, and food processing industries. One of the most efficient
PQ devices for resolving voltage sag issues nowadays is the dynamic voltage restorer.
However, cost and installation limitations have restricted its use to situations where a
reliable power source is obviously needed.
DVR is a static var. device that has found use in a number of transmission and
distribution systems. It is a series compensation device that protects sensitive electric
loads from power quality issues such as voltage sags, swells, imbalance, and distortion
using voltage source converters (VSC) (Figure 15).
8.3.1 Principle of operation
The Dynamic Voltage Restorer’s is to inject a voltage of the necessary size and
frequency to enable it to restore the load side voltage to the proper amplitude and
waveform, even when the source voltage is imbalanced or distorted [2, 4].
In general, it uses a pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter structure and Gate
Turn Off Thyristor (GTO) solid-state power electronic switches. At the load side, the
DVR has the ability to independently produce or absorb actual and reactive power.
In other words, the DVR is built of a solid-state DC to AC switching power converter
Figure 15.
Symbol of DVR.
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that injects a sequence of three-phase AC output voltages into the transmission and
distribution lines. The commutation mechanism for reactive power demand and an
energy source for actual power need are the sources of the injected voltage.
Depending on the DVR’s manufacturer and design, the energy source may change.
DC capacitors, batteries, and energy extracted from the line via a rectifier are a few
types of energy sources that have been used.
The DVR system’s practical injection voltage capacity is 50% of nominal voltage.
Due to this, DVRs may successfully defend against sags of up to 50% for periods of
time as little as 0.1 seconds. Furthermore, the majority of voltage sags seldom ever go
below 50%.
The destructive consequences of voltage swells, voltage imbalance, and other
waveform distortions are also lessened by using the Dynamic Voltage Restorer.
There are different methods to control the DVR. They are
i. Distinguish the occurrence of sag or swell in the system.
ii. Compute the offset voltage.
iii. Pulse output of the PWM inverter and stopping it when the problem is resolved.
8.3.2 MATLAB/Simulink model of DSTATCOM
Let us consider a test system where a sudden RL-load is applied all of a sudden and
the response of the output voltage is analyzed using the Simulink platform [8].
Due to the sudden application of the load, voltage sag is observed, and this should
be compensated by using our Custom Power Devices to transfer constant voltage to
the load (Figures 16–21).
8.4 MATLAB/Simulink design of DVR
A Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is a power electronic device primarily
designed to mitigate voltage sags and interruptions in electrical distribution systems
[8]. Here are some of the key advantages of using a DVR (Figures 19–21):
Figure 16.
Simulation model of the test system with DSTATCOM in MATLAB/Simulink for RL load.
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Power Quality – New Insights
Figure 17.
Voltage sag at the load side.
Figure 18.
Compensated voltage through the introduction of DSTATCOM on the load side.
1. Voltage sag mitigation: One of the primary advantages of a DVR is its ability to
rapidly inject voltage to compensate for voltage sags, thereby restoring the volt-
age waveform and ensuring uninterrupted operation of sensitive equipment and
processes [1].
2. Fast Response Time: DVRs offer very fast response times, typically within a few
milliseconds, to detect voltage disturbances and inject compensating voltage,
minimizing downtime and disruptions for critical loads [1].
3. Improved Power Quality: By mitigating voltage sags and interruptions, DVRs
help improve overall power quality, reduce equipment downtime, and enhance
the reliability of electrical distribution systems [1].
4. Protection for Sensitive Equipment: DVRs provide essential protection for sensi-
tive electronic equipment, such as computers, servers, industrial machinery, and
other critical loads, by ensuring a stable and consistent power supply.
5. Flexible Installation: DVRs can be installed at critical points in the distribution
system to protect specific loads or areas prone to voltage sags, allowing for tar-
geted mitigation and optimization of power quality.
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Figure 19.
Simulation model of the test system with DVR in MATLAB/SIMULINK for RL-load.
Figure 20.
Voltage at the load point without DVR in MATLAB/SIMULINK for 3-phase fault.
6. Compatibility with Renewable Energy Sources: DVRs can be integrated with
renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power systems, to ensure
stable and reliable power supply, especially in areas with fluctuating renewable
energy output.
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Power Quality – New Insights
Figure 21.
Voltage at the load point with DVR in MATLAB/SIMULINK.
7. Cost Savings: By reducing equipment downtime, preventing production losses,
and protecting sensitive equipment from voltage sags and interruptions, DVRs
can lead to significant cost savings for industrial facilities, commercial establish-
ments, and utilities [1].
8. Extended Equipment Lifespan: DVRs help extend the lifespan of electrical and
electronic equipment by providing a stable and consistent power supply, reducing
wear and tear, and minimizing the risk of damage from voltage disturbances [1].
9. Compliance with Standards: DVRs help utilities, industrial facilities, and com-
mercial establishments comply with various power quality standards, regula-
tions, and guidelines related to voltage sag mitigation, ensuring adherence to
industry best practices and regulatory requirements [1].
10. Scalability and Modularity: DVRs can be designed and configured to meet spe-
cific application requirements, making them scalable and modular solutions for
addressing voltage sags and interruptions in various distribution system configu-
rations and load profiles [1].
In summary, DVRs offer a range of benefits for improving power quality, protect-
ing sensitive equipment, reducing downtime, and ensuring reliable operation of
electrical distribution systems. By providing fast and effective voltage sag mitigation,
DVRs help utilities and end-users maintain high-quality power supply, optimize
equipment performance, and minimize operational risks and costs.
8.5 Comparison of DVR and DSTATCOM
Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) and Distributed Static Compensator
(DSTATCOM), two different devices used in power systems to improve voltage stabil-
ity and power quality. Although both are designed to mitigate voltage disturbances,
they operate in different ways and have distinct features. Let us compare them based
on their characteristics (Table 1) [9].
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Parameter DVR DSTATCOM
Operation A DVR is a power electronics-based A DSTATCOM is also a power electronics-
device that is connected in series with based device, but it is connected in parallel
the distribution line. It continuously with the distribution line. It actively injects
monitors the voltage at its point of reactive power into the system to stabilize
connection and injects a voltage in series voltage, compensate for reactive power
with the line to compensate for voltage demand, and improve power factor.
sags or swells.
Function The primary function of a DVR is to The main function of a DSTATCOM is to
mitigate voltage sags and swells caused regulate voltage and maintain power factor
by various disturbances such as faults, at the point of connection, compensating
sudden load changes, or system switching for reactive power demand and improving
operations. voltage stability.
Compensation DVRs are generally capable of providing DSTATCOMs can also respond quickly
Time rapid voltage compensation within a to voltage fluctuations and provide
few milliseconds, as they are designed to compensation, but their response time
quickly respond to voltage disturbances. might be slightly longer compared to DVRs
due to their different configuration.
Installation DVRs are typically installed close to DSTATCOMs are often installed at
Location critical loads to protect them from distribution substations or near industrial
voltage variations and ensure continuous loads to enhance voltage stability and power
operation. quality for the entire distribution network.
Application The DVR is specifically designed to DSTATCOMs are more versatile and can
Scope address voltage quality issues such as be applied to various scenarios, including
voltage sags and swells in sensitive loads voltage regulation in distribution systems,
like data centers, industrial processes, and power factor correction, and reactive power
critical facilities. compensation for individual loads or groups
of loads.
Cost-effective DVRs can be more expensive due to DSTATCOMs are generally more cost-
their high-speed power electronics and effective and easier to implement, making
sophisticated control systems. them suitable for broader applications.
Table 1.
Comparison of DVR and DSTATCOM.
9. Conclusion
The Power Quality issues, including voltage dips, swells, and interruptions, as
well as mitigation strategies for specialized power electronic devices like DVR and
D-STATCOM, have been covered in this chapter. Comprehensive findings are pro-
vided together with the design and implementations of DVR and DSTATCOM for
voltage sags, interruptions, and swells. In order to operate the electronic valves in
the VSI utilized in the DSTATCOM and DVR, a new PWM-based control system has
been created. Unlike basic frequency switching strategies that are already included in
MATLAB/Simulink, this PWM control system requires just voltage data. It is perfect
for low-voltage bespoke power applications because of this feature. The simulation
results of the simulations demonstrated that the DVR had comparatively superior
voltage regulating capabilities [4]. It was also noted that the rating of the DC storage
device affects DSTATCOM’s ability to regulate voltage and provide power compensa-
tion. The simulation results shown exhibit high accuracy.
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Power Quality – New Insights
Author details
Bhavya Kanchanapalli* and Sujatha Banka
BVRIT HYDERABAD College of Engineering for Women, Hyderabad, India
*Address all correspondence to: bhavya.k@[Link]
© 2024 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of
the Creative Commons Attribution License ([Link]
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original work is properly cited.
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