Thesis (M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering)--University of Idaho, June 2014 | Fast, efficient dynamic reactive power compensation is important for maintaining voltage stability on the electric power grid as a whole as well as maintaining local voltage regulation to the customer. Dynamic reactive compensation is discussed in several courses in the ECE program. In this presentation, the design and modeling of a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) that can be connected the Analog Model Power System (AMPS) at the University of Idaho for classroom instruction will be presented. Detailed averaged and switching models of a STATCOM will be presented. The goal of the modeling is to replicate the real world behavior of the STATCOM interfaced with the AMPS which will provide a basis for class projects and studies related to the reactive power compensation to the AMPS. After developing the modeling of the STATCOM interfaced with the AMPS, simulations will be run to verify the STATCOM works as intended. The results from the simulations lay the foundations for the implementation for the hardware implementation of the STATCOM to improve upon one that was developed by a senior design team.
