Performance evaluation of the DSP-based improved time-optimal current controller for STATCOM

The paper presents an important aspect in the research and development process of control algorithms of FACTS devices. It reveals the details of the time-optimal current control (TOCC) algorithm for STATCOM and deals with its implementation on the digital signal processor (DSP). It has been recognized that discretization of the control process within the DSP deteriorates the operation of the controller and consequently the device itself and calls for new control algorithm improvements, which are addressed within the paper. To evaluate the modified implementation of the control algorithm, the results of the ideal EMT simulations within the PSCAD are compared to the results of the real-time simulations of the controller hardware-in-the-loop carried out with the RTDS simulator and a TI F28335 control card. The comparison shows that the new feature of the control algorithm, namely the delay compensation, improves the performance of the controller while the limited processing power deteriorates its optimal operation.