The project aims at developing a new static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) based on the diode-clamped modular multilevel converter (DCM2C) is proposed. In this converter topology, the capacitor voltage is clamped by using a low power rating diode in each submodule. The quantity of voltage sensors is significantly reduced and is free from the number of voltage levels. Furthermore, the voltage balancing control method becomes very simple and the capacitor voltage balance speed is fast. Based on the structure of modular multilevel converter, the DCM2C-STATCOM has the capability of Var compensation and negative-sequence current compensation. The topology characteristics and compensation control method of DCM2C-STATCOM are investigated in this paper. Experimental results obtained from a laboratory prototype validate that the capacitor voltage of the proposed DCM2C-STATCOM can be well balanced and the Var and negative-sequence current compensations are effective. This project presents a novel Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) based on a diode-clamped modular multilevel converter (DC-MMC) for effective reactive power compensation and voltage regulation in power systems. The proposed STATCOM configuration utilizes a multilevel inverter structure with diode clamping to achieve high-quality output voltage with reduced harmonic distortion and improved efficiency. By employing modular multilevel architecture, the system offers scalability, lower switching losses, and enhanced reliability compared to conventional two-level converters. The STATCOM is connected to the grid through a coupling inductor, enabling dynamic control of reactive power to stabilize grid voltage under varying load conditions. A PIC microcontroller is used to generate appropriate gating signals and to monitor system parameters, which are displayed through an LCD. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed diode-clamped modular multilevel STATCOM provides fast dynamic response, reduced total harmonic distortion (THD), and improved power factor, making it suitable for modern power quality improvement and grid-support applications.    

Components Used:

• Inductor.
• Incerter.
• Grid.
• Load.
• Battery.
• PIC Microcontroller.
• LCD display.

 

Block diagram:

 

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