Futuristic electrical grid stabilized by STATCOM technology

Power Quality Problems Solved: How STATCOM Technology Stabilizes Your Grid

Rhea Morgan in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover how STATCOM with PWM and SVPWM technologies enhances grid stability and power quality in modern electrical systems."

In today's world, we rely on electricity more than ever. Powering our homes, businesses, and industries, a stable and efficient electrical grid is essential. However, the grid faces numerous challenges, including power quality issues like voltage instability and harmonic distortion. These problems can lead to equipment malfunctions, reduced efficiency, and even system failures.

Enter STATCOM, or Static Synchronous Compensator. This powerful technology is designed to mitigate these power quality issues and enhance the overall stability of the electrical grid. By using advanced power electronics, STATCOMs can quickly and reliably inject or absorb reactive power, compensating for fluctuations and disturbances.

This article delves into the workings of STATCOM technology, focusing on its use of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) techniques. We'll explore how these methods help STATCOMs improve power quality, reduce harmonic distortion, and ensure a more stable and reliable power supply for everyone.

Understanding STATCOM Technology: Stabilizing the Grid

Futuristic electrical grid stabilized by STATCOM technology

A STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) is a flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device that provides reactive power compensation in electrical power grids. Think of it as a dynamic shock absorber for the grid, smoothing out voltage fluctuations and improving overall power quality. It works by injecting or absorbing reactive power into the system, helping to maintain a stable voltage level.

The core of a STATCOM is a Voltage Source Converter (VSC), which uses power electronics to convert DC voltage into AC voltage. This AC voltage is then synchronized with the grid voltage, allowing the STATCOM to exchange reactive power as needed. The control system of the STATCOM continuously monitors the grid conditions and adjusts the VSC output to maintain the desired voltage level.

Here are some key things STATCOM technology does:

Voltage Stability: Helps maintain a stable voltage level, preventing voltage sags and swells.
Reactive Power Compensation: Provides or absorbs reactive power to compensate for imbalances in the grid.
Harmonic Reduction: Reduces harmonic distortion, improving power quality.
Improved Efficiency: Enhances the efficiency of power transmission and distribution.

STATCOM is simulated using a carrier-based PWM and space vector PWM method in conjunction with a dynamic or extended harmonics domain method, and the power quality indices including RMS voltage and current are observed for a voltage source converter. Power quality analysis is compared by comparing the methods.

The Future of Power Quality: STATCOM and Beyond

STATCOM technology is a crucial component in modern electrical grids, offering a powerful solution for improving power quality and ensuring grid stability. As grids become more complex and integrate more renewable energy sources, the role of STATCOMs will only become more critical. By leveraging advanced control techniques like PWM and SVPWM, STATCOMs can dynamically respond to changing grid conditions, maintaining a stable and reliable power supply for homes, businesses, and industries. Continuous innovation in power electronics and control algorithms will drive further advancements in STATCOM technology, paving the way for even more efficient and resilient electrical grids in the future.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1109/icsedps.2018.8536077, Alternate LINK

Title: Harmonic Analysis Of Pwm And Svpwm Based Shunt Compensator Using Dynamic Harmonic Domain

Journal: 2018 International Conference on Smart Electric Drives and Power System (ICSEDPS)

Publisher: IEEE

Authors: Devendra M. Holey, Vinod Kumar Chandrakar

Published: 2018-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) and how does it function within electrical power grids?

A STATCOM, or Static Synchronous Compensator, is a FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission System) device that provides reactive power compensation in electrical power grids. It functions as a dynamic shock absorber, mitigating voltage fluctuations and enhancing overall power quality by injecting or absorbing reactive power to maintain voltage stability. The main components of a STATCOM is a Voltage Source Converter (VSC) that converts DC voltage into AC voltage, synchronized with the grid to exchange reactive power as needed. The control system continuously monitors grid conditions and adjusts the VSC output.

How do PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and SVPWM (Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation) techniques contribute to the functionality of STATCOM technology?

PWM, or Pulse Width Modulation, and SVPWM, or Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation, are control techniques used within STATCOM technology to precisely manage the switching of power electronic devices within the Voltage Source Converter (VSC). These methods are vital for controlling the output voltage and current waveforms, enabling the STATCOM to effectively inject or absorb reactive power, reduce harmonic distortion, and maintain a stable voltage level in the electrical grid. They have a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of STATCOMs in improving power quality.

In what specific ways does STATCOM technology improve power quality in electrical grids?

STATCOM technology enhances power quality by addressing several key issues. It maintains voltage stability, preventing voltage sags and swells that can damage equipment. STATCOM provides reactive power compensation, correcting imbalances in the grid. It also reduces harmonic distortion, which improves the overall efficiency of power transmission and distribution. By stabilizing voltage, compensating for reactive power, and reducing harmonics, STATCOM ensures a more reliable and efficient power supply.

How does STATCOM technology address challenges introduced by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources into electrical grids?

The integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power introduces variability and intermittency into electrical grids, which can lead to voltage fluctuations and power quality issues. STATCOM technology plays a crucial role in mitigating these challenges by dynamically compensating for the fluctuating power output of renewable sources. By rapidly injecting or absorbing reactive power, STATCOMs can stabilize the grid, ensuring reliable power delivery even with high penetration of renewable energy.

What future advancements are anticipated for STATCOM technology, and how might these innovations impact electrical grids?

Future advancements in STATCOM technology will likely focus on improvements in power electronics and control algorithms. Innovations in wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), could lead to more efficient and compact STATCOM designs. Enhanced control algorithms, including artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, can enable STATCOMs to respond more quickly and effectively to changing grid conditions, further improving power quality and grid stability. These advancements could make STATCOMs even more crucial for managing complex electrical grids.