Stability challenge: Voltage profile enhancement and loss reduction using optimally placed single and dual SVCs
Abstract
High penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources (RES) fundamentally alters the voltage stability profile of electrical networks, creating significant challenges for regulation and efficiency. This paper investigates the optimal deployment of static var compensators (SVCs) to mitigate these instabilities in a 37-bus test system. The impact of integrating 15 MW of renewable generation is analyzed, comparing a PV-only scenario to a PV-wind hybrid system. A key contribution of this study is the comparative analysis between a centralized compensation strategy (using a single high-capacity SVC) and a distributed strategy (using dual SVCs with an equivalent total rating). Simulation results demonstrate that the distributed dual-SVC configuration is significantly more effective than the single-unit approach. This configuration ensures superior voltage stability, maintaining the minimum bus voltage above the critical threshold (≥ 0.9504 p.u.), and achieves a substantial 19.4 % reduction in active power losses. These findings confirm that distributing reactive power support provides a more robust solution for enhancing grid reliability and energy efficiency in hybrid renewable systems.
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