Addressing power quality challenges in hybrid renewable energy systems through STATCOM devices and advanced gray wolf optimization technique

• Intelligent Optimization Approach: Solar and wind energy PQ enhancement in grid-integrated hybrid systems • Environmental Challenges: Use of Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) for reducing performance degradation due to weather fluctuation. • Metaheuristic controller scheduling: Present Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) based on controller coordination in hybrid renewable systems. • Dynamic Performance Enhancement: Improved reactive power control during abnormal operating conditions when STATCOM was used. • Extensive Scenario Validation: Through the validation of Mult-scenarios, such as voltage/current deviations and 3-ph faults, the performance of the optimization method is assured. This research proposes an intelligent technique designed to optimize the power quality of grid-connected hybrid power systems that use both solar photovoltaic and wind energy. Regrettably, these hybrid systems are liable to the damaging environmental results of weather gusts, which could lessen average system efficiency. Moreover, several faults, such as three-phase faults and voltage fluctuations on the point of common coupling (PCC), can adversely affect system balance. To address those challenges, Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) are employed to enhance the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) by providing vital reactive energy support. This examination additionally highlights the importance of advanced optimization techniques for tuning controllers, given the complexity of hybrid systems. The proposed observation indicates the application of a grey wolf optimization (GWO) primarily based on the multi-objective function. This algorithm acts to improve control parameters, thus increasing the system's reliability. The developed strategy is presented in several processes. Scenario 1 shows the system's capability to stabilise at 1 pu during voltage and current swell and sag. Scenario 2 highlights effective reactive power generation during renewable energy source penetration, while Scenario 3 demonstrates improved power quality with unbalanced non-linear loads. Lastly, Scenario 4 confirms that PCC stability is maintained between 0.92 and 0.97 pu during three-phase faults. Through tests, simulation results confirm the improvement of both current, voltage and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and reveal the efficiency of the proposed controller in supporting fast dynamic response. Thus, the activity of the proposed system has been verified through tests with the GWO strategy.