A fractional order PID-based STATCOM control strategy for high-efficiency and resilient microgrid operations

Abstract

This research enhances the performance of Static Synchronous Compensators in microgrid environments through a Fractional Order Integrator-based Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller. Conventional controllers often fail to maintain stability and efficiency under rapidly changing load conditions and grid disturbances, whereas the proposed approach introduces fractional-order dynamics to achieve improved adaptability and robustness. A MATLAB-based simulation framework was developed to test the controller under diverse operating scenarios, including voltage sags, reactive power imbalance, and renewable energy integration challenges. The results show that the proposed controller achieves efficiency above 92 percent, significantly outperforming conventional controllers by reducing power losses, enhancing voltage stability, and improving reactive power regulation. It also demonstrates superior handling of Q-curve characteristics and transient disturbances, leading to more stable and reliable microgrid operations. Comparative analysis confirms the effectiveness of the method in maintaining power quality and responding rapidly to dynamic variations. Overall, the study establishes the proposed controller as a scalable and high-performance solution for advancing microgrid infrastructures and ensuring reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy system operations.