Static Synchronous Compensator (Statcom) Related Factors and Performance of Voltage Regulation Project, a Case of Lake Turkana Wind Power Plant

Abstract

Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is an electronic power device that uses power-switching devices, such as gate inductive thyristor, insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) etc., to regulate voltage and current of reactive components through the grid and thus provide stable power supply. The stability of power grid network depends on the efficiency of the voltage and frequency regulation from the point of generation to the terminal end. The constantly increasing demands on electricity and loads, especially on non-linear loads, makes the operation of the power grid complex and makes the system unsecure in the case of large energy flows without adequate voltage control. In September 2018 Lake Turkana 310MW wind power was connected into the national grid and the connection of this intermittent wind power generation to the grid therefore dictates proper interpretation and understanding of voltage levels regulation and frequency for reliability and uninterrupted plant operation as well as providing valued acumen into the conditions and performance of various protective power system’s equipment within the power plant. This study sought to determine the influence of static compensator (STATCOM) related factors on voltage regulation. The objectives of the study were to examine how static compensator technological factor, nature of operation and human capacity influence the voltage regulation in an intermittent power generation. The research study entailed administering questionnaires and interviews from the plant technical team and the technical personnel within Kenya power grid operation system. The population considered for the study was 110, with a sample size of 86 based on a purposive non-probability sampling technique. The study’s data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The study findings revealed that STATCOM technology, nature of operations, human capacity and community involvement had a significant and positive correlation with voltage regulation at the wind generation power plant at the Lake Turkana wind Power. Further, regression results revealed that STATCOM technology, nature of operations and human capacity positively and significantly influenced voltage regulation at the wind generation power plant at the Lake Turkana wind Power. Further, the findings revealed community involvement positively and significantly influenced the operation of STATCOM and performance of voltage regulation at the wind generation power plant at the Lake Turkana wind Power. The study concluded that STATCOM technology, nature of operations, human capacity and community involvement significantly influences voltage regulation wind generation power plant at Lake Turkana wind power plant.