The role of STATCOM devices in wind energy systems: Review article

With the fast developments of power electronics, shunt Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices, particularly Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), have been proposed and implemented in many wind energy systems (WESs). STATCOMs are used to enhance the integration of WESs into existing power systems by controlling power flow between the WESs and the grid, thereby ensuring compliance with grid codes. These devices enhance the grid-connected WES stability and reliability against different fault scenarios. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the application of STATCOMs along with their control methodologies. The review includes the role and configuration of the STATCOM in WES, as well as its role in mitigating various fault events, including three-phase to ground faults, sag-swell conditions, and ferroresonance events. The paper also discusses the control methodologies in STATCOM-WES, including classical PI controllers, optimized PI controllers, and adaptive control techniques, and their performance against different fault scenarios. Furthermore, the future trends in shunting FACTS technology for renewable energy integration are also explored. The review combines results from numerous case studies and simulation-based assessments, highlighting the role of STATCOM in WES to enhance system performance while supporting the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) and fault ride-through (FRT) capabilities of grid-tied WESs. The study finds that STATCOMs are necessary for the reliable integration of WES into the power grid. It also highlights future trends, such as hybrid systems with energy storage and wide-bandgap semiconductors, that will enhance their efficiency.