A Detailed Model for the STATCOM using ATPdraw

M. M. I. El-Shamoty

Ebrahim A. Badran, IEEE Member

Mohamed Saad El-Morcy

Electrical Engineering Department,

Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University,
Mansoura, Egypt
E-Mail: elshmotymm@mans.edu.eg

Technology Department,
Academy of Special Studies, WU,
St. 51, Ras-Elbar, Egypt
E-Mail: eabadran@ieee.org

SEGAS, LNG Plant,

Private Free Zone, Damietta Port,
Damietta, Egypt
E-Mail: melmorcy@segas.com.eg

Abstract- This paper introduces a detailed model for the

STATic COMpensator (STATCOM). The proposed model
consists of two six-pulse converters connected in series on the
ac side. The dc sides of the two converters are connected in
parallel and share the same dc capacitor. The phase control
technique is implemented.
The main parts of the
compensator system are modeled as separate parts. So, the
model can be used as a benchmark model for the STATCOM
using the ATPdraw of the ElectroMagnetic Transients
Program (EMTP-ATP). The proposed model verification has
been undertaken by the use of published results.
Key Words: Modeling, FACTS, STATCOM, EMTP, ATPdraw

I- INTRODUCTION
Recently, there has been a significant interest in reactive
power as one of several ancillary services required to
ensure system reliability. System operators and researchers
have been looking for appropriate mechanisms for reactive
power provision in the context of deregulation. Reactive
power is tightly related to bus voltages throughout a power
network, and hence reactive power services have a
significant effect on system security. Insufficient reactive
power supply can result in voltage collapse, which has
been one of the reasons for some recent major blackouts
(e.g. Canada-US and Sweden blackouts in 2003) [1].
The computer simulation of power systems has
presented many challenges and opportunities over the
years. Power system engineers always try to improve
modeling techniques and to apply computer technology to
design study tools that meet the analysis requirements [2].
In simulation studies including FACTS (Flexible AC
Transmission System), detailed three-phase FACTS
models may be required as well as simplified models.
Detailed three-phase studies should include all necessary
elements of FACTS together with its non-linearities. The
details of the control blocks should be all modeled,
representing all necessary firing pulses for each of the
valves. The STATCOM as a shunt-connected static var
compensator is one of those complicated power electronic
devices to be modeled [3].
For this purpose, in this paper, a detailed model for the
STATCOM has been manipulated, implemented and
tested using the ATPDraw program. The presented
STATCOM detailed model includes the GTO and diode
valves together with their necessary snubber circuits,

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459

which make this model a valuable tool in a power system

design process. The control system does not use typical dq transformation to obtain dc signals for control process.
Instead, the control system use simple input variable
measurements, similar to a Static Var Compensator (SVC)
control system, which is a different way to treat the
STATCOM control circuit design. The STATCOM
operating and control limits are included into the model,
which makes this model suitable for steady state and
transient stability studies.
The presented detailed model is not a novel model since
it realistically represents the practical device; however,
their implementation into the ATPDraw proved to be a
challenging task. The model produced the expected results
only when certain snubber circuits were used, due to
numerical oscillation problems of the trapezoidal
integration method. Moreover, the STATCOM model
was included into a realistic test system as opposed to the
usual two-bus test systems found in the literature.
II- THE EXISTING STATCOM CONFIGURATIONS,
CONTROL, AND MODELS
Many STATCOM configurations have been reported in
the literature. These configurations can be classified into;
two-level, three-level, and multi-level STATCOM. In [4],
an 80 MVAR STATCOM has been developed and applied
successfully in Japan. In order to reduce the harmonics, a
48-pulse multiple STATCOM is employed. The output
voltage is very similar to the sine wave. In [5], a 100
MVAR STATCOM has been presented in USA. The
output is also nearly sinusoidal waveform.
In [6] high-pulse schemes based on three-level
STATCOM are introduced. Utilising two parallel units of
two-level inverter and a current sharing inductor leads to
low order harmonic profile outputs equivalent to a 48pulse STATCOM. In [7] a five-level STATCOM is
introduced, where the voltage level can be increased
without series connection of thyristors and the harmonics
can be greatly reduced without filters. A multi-level
STATCOM was presented in [8], which enables
regulating the bus voltage and controlling the capacitor
voltages without using any transformers.
The majority of STATCOM systems in operation are
based on the two-level STATCOM. They mostly operate

at a high-pulse number to increase the order of their

harmonics, thus reduce the size of passive harmonic filters.
Recently, there has been recognition that the multi-level
has distinct advantages over the two-level STATCOM and
several research groups have begun studies to apply such
multi-level STATCOM to make it more compact and
economical. However, increasing the number of levels in
high voltage applications increases the number of
commutation loops, so that an excess complex control
should be needed to maintain equally charged capacitors.
Best understanding of the STATCOM configurations
requires good understanding of the control systems. The
STATCOM control strategies can be classified into
Fundamental Frequency Switching (FFS), in which the
switching of each semiconductor device is one turn-on and
off per power cycle, and Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM),
in which the semiconductor switch is turned on and off at
a rate higher than the power frequency.
Many STATCOM models have been reported in the
literature.
These models are used to validate the
STATCOM topology, control, or benefits [3], and [7-10].
Some of these models [3], and [9-10] focus on the detailed
modeling of the power electronic switches, the control
systems, and the valve firing circuits. Acha presented a
PWM control implementation in PSCAD/EMTDC and
applied it on a two-level distribution STATCOM [9]. In
[10] a PWM distribution STATCOM simulation is
reported.
Manitoba HVDC Research Center has
introduced many STATCOM models using the
PSCAD/EMTDC [3]. In [11] a reduced model for the
PWM-controlled STATCOM using PSCAD is reported.
This model is based on the function than on configuration.
Indeed, some STATCOM complex detailed models are
already found within PSCAD/EMTDC. These models
include the two-level and the three-level STATCOM. All
existing models are of a high grade of complexity. Fine
details of the data of all existing power electronic elements
are needed. To overcome such complexity, this paper
introduces a benchmark model which is more based on the
STATCOM function blocks. The model is separated into
several parts connected by simple signals. Each part can
be used separately in any other universal model.

di/dt due to valve switching. The STATCOM control

circuit is also modeled in great details.

Fig. 1. Basic building blocks of the STATCOM circuit

The control of the STATCOM is achieved by variations

in the switching angle of the controlled semiconductor
switches. So that, the fundamental component of the
STATCOM output voltage lags or leads the AC system
bus voltage by a few degrees. This causes real power to
transiently flow in or out of the converter. Thus changing
the DC capacitor voltage and consequently the magnitude
of the STATCOM output voltage. The modeled twelvepulse STATCOM circuit is shown in Fig. 2. The circuit
consists of two six-pulse converters connected in series on
the AC side of the circuit with a 150 MVAR, 230 KV / 6
KV summing and intermediate transformer.

III- THE PROPOSED STATCOM MODEL

In this paper, the STATCOM is modeled as a threephase, twelve-pulse voltage-sourced converter that is
connected to the AC system through an appropriate
transformer. The basic building block of the 150 MVAR,
230 KV STATCOM circuit is the six-pulse converter
shown in Fig. 1. It is important to emphasize that the
STATCOM model, includes all GTO valves and diodes,
with the required snubber circuits used to reduce dv/dt and

Fig. 2. The Twelve-pulse STATCOM model in ATPdraw

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The DC sides of the two converters are connected in

parallel and share the same DC capacitor. They can also be
connected in series on the DC side in twelve-pulse
operation, with twice the DC voltage and, consequently,
twice the converter output AC voltage. However, this kind
of connection is avoided due to the fact that the two DC
buses (capacitors) must have equal voltages. From the AC
side, the converters are connected in series through the
series connection of the line-side windings of the
intermediate transformer to provide appropriate
cancellation of the characteristic harmonics. It is possible
to connect the converters in parallel on the AC side, but
that would require transformers with special windings and
would increase the total cost of the STATCOM [12].
Fig. 3 shows the elements of the voltage regulation
system. The voltages from the NETWORK are measured
and have been inputted to the synchronization unit to
generate a set of balanced phase voltages, then they have
been inputted to the gate pulse generator (GPG) to
generate the proper turn-on and turn-off signals.
The voltage regulator unit model is shown in Fig. 4. It
is shown that the measured voltages have been send to the
RMS calculator device (TACS device with code 66). The
per-unit value is calculated and compared with the
reference voltage. The output is, then, inputted to the
integrator which gives the general firing angle. The GPG
uses this angle to generate the GTO valves firing angles.
The concept of the GPG is adapted from [12] and modeled
as shown in Fig. 5. The measured voltages are tracked for
its zero crossing and the voltage synchronizing unit is used
to generate set of balanced voltages.

Fig. 3. Block diagram of the voltage regulation system

Fig. 4. The ATPdraw model for voltage regulator unit

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The scheme shown in Fig. 5 generates the pulses for the

six-pulse converter connected to the Y transformer
winding. Whereas, the pulses are shifted by 1.39 ms, i.e.,
300, for the six-pulse converter connected to the
transformer winding. This technique used to produce
the firing pulses is known as Equidistant Firing Pulse
Control and is used in balanced power systems.
The voltage synchronizing block, similar to the one
explained in [12], is designed to track the actual phase
voltages at the compensated bus and to generate a set of
balanced voltages that truly follow the phase voltages of
the compensated bus, in its voltage magnitude and phase
angle. This set follows the zero crossings of the reference
voltage and is used as an input to the gate pulse generator.
The voltage synchronization unit can be represented to
provide the reference voltages for firing pulses by taking
the positive sequence fundamental line-line voltages. The
input to this unit are the actual phase voltages. Fig. 6
shows the ATPdraw model used for determining the
positive sequence component of the fundamental line-line
voltages.
IV- VERIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED
STATCOM MODEL
The STATCOM model is verified by comparing its
outputs with those published in [15]. The single line
diagram of the test system used for this verification is
shown in Fig. 7. The test system was picked from [12]
and modeled using ATPdraw as shown in Fig. 8.
The test system operates at 230 kV. It consists of a
245.5 MW, 13.8 kV synchronous generator with
automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and a -Y Step-up
transformer. The infinite bus has been modeled by its
corresponding Thevenin equivalents; an ideal voltage
source and a coupled impedance. The test system
contains several transmission lines of various lengths,
where the long lines are modeled as distributed parameters
lines, while the short length lines are modeled as 3-phase
-equivalents. There are two loads modeled as impedance
loads, while the corresponding step-down transformers are
simply modeled using their leakage reactance's. A passive
filter is connected to the compensated bus (Bus14) to
prevent the 11th, 13th and 23rd and other higher harmonics.
At fundamental frequency, the filter has a capacitive
rating with 65 MVAR.
Firstly, the system has been verified without using the
STATCOM. Fig. 9 illustrates the load increasing in two
steps at 5 seconds and 6 seconds. The voltage profile
indicates to unacceptable voltage drops, where the system
can not be restored to acceptable values. The comparison
in this figure between the published and the simulation
waveforms shows the validity of the test system modeling.

For the proposed STATCOM model validation an 150

MVAR STATCOM is connected to Bus14. Fig. 10 shows
the voltage at the compensated bus (Bus14). It is noted
that the STATCOM performs the required function at the
two steps of load variations. The voltage can be restored
to the required level when the STATCOM is used.
Fig. 11 illustrates the control angle of the STATCOM
controller. Also, Fig. 12 illustrates the output reactive
power of the STATCOM. These figures ensure the
validity of the proposed detailed model. It is clearly seen
that the outputs of the proposed model are in good
agreement with that of the published results.
Fig. 7. The single line diagram of the test system
To the
STATCOM

Filter

Synchronous
machine

Loads

Fig. 8. The test system model using ATPdraw

Fig. 5. The gate pulse generator model using ATPdraw

(a) Published

(b) Simulated

Fig. 9. The load voltage response without the STATCOM

V- CONCLUSIONS
Fig. 6. The ATPdraw model for determining the positive
sequence component of the fundamental line-line voltages

This paper introduces a detailed model for the

STATCOM.
The model consists of two six-pulse

462

converters. The phase control technique is implemented.

The main parts of the compensator are modeled in great
details as separate parts. These parts are connected by
simple signals.
The developed model is verified using published results.
The comparison between the published waveforms and the
simulation waveforms are in good agreement. It is evident
that, each part of the developed model can be used
separately in any other universal model. This enables to
study in details each part separately. So, the model can be
used as a detailed benchmark model for the STATCOM
using the ATPdraw.

(a) Published

(b) Simulated

Fig. 12. The reactive power of the STATCOM

[2] Om Nayak et al., Power Electronics Spark New Simulation
Challenges, IEEE Computer Applications In Power, Vol. 15,
No. 4, Oct. 2002, pp. 37-44.
[3] D. Woodford, Introduction to PSCAD V3, Manitoba HVDC
Research Center, Jan. 2001.
[4] S. Mori et al., Development Of A Large Static VAR Generator
Using Self-Commutated Inverters For Improving Power System
Stability, IEEE Transactions On Power Systems, Vol. 8, No. 1,
February 1993, pp. 371-377.
[5] A. Edris et al., Development Of A 100 MVAR Static Condenser
For Voltage Control Of Transmission Systems, IEEE
Transactions On Power Delivery, Vol. 10, No. 3, July 1995, pp.
1486-1496.
[6] C. J. Hatziadoniu et al., A Transformerless High-Pulse Static
Synchronous Compensator Based On The 3-Level GTOInverter, IEEE Transactions On Power Delivery, Vol. 13, No.
3, July 1998, pp. 883-888.
[7] R. W. Menzies et al., Advanced Static Compensation Using A
Multilevel GTO Thyristor Inverter, IEEE Transactions On
Power Delivery, Vol. 10, No. 2, April 1995, pp. 732-738.
[8] R. M. Mathur et al., Distribution System Compensation Using a
New Binary Multilevel Voltage Source Inverter, IEEE
Transactions On Power Delivery, Vol. 14, No. 2, April 1999, pp.
459-464.
[9] E. Acha et al., Modeling and Analysis of Custom Power Systems
By PSCAD/EMTDC, IEEE Transactions On Power Delivery,
Vol. 17, No. 1, Jan. 2002, pp. 266-272.
[10] A. Martinez et al., A Benchmark System For Digital TimeDomain Simulation of a Pulse-Width-Modulated DSTATCOM, IEEE Transactions On Power Delivery, Vol. 17,
No. 4, Oct. 2002, pp. 1113-1120.
[11] M. H. Abdel-Rahman, et. al, "A Reduced Model for the PWMControlled STATCOM", Proceedings of the 4th International
Conf. on Electrical Power Quality and Supply Reliability,
Estonia, August 29-31, 2004.
[12] Edvina Uzunovic, "EMTP, Transient Stability and Power Flow
Models and Controls of VSC Based FACTS Controller", Ph.D.
Thesis, The University of Waterloo, Canada, 2001.

(a) Published

(b) Simulated

Fig. 10. Bus14 voltage with the STATCOM connected

(a) Published

(b) Simulated

Fig. 11. The control angle of the STATCOM controller

REFERENCES
[1] I. El-Samahy, K. Bhattacharya, and C. A. Caizares, "A Unified
Framework for Reactive Power Management in Deregulated Electricity
Markets," Proc. Power Systems Conference and Exposition (PSCE),
Atlanta, Georgia, November 2006, 7 pages.

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