Workshop on Renewable Energy Integration Challenges and Applied Industrial Solutions
This workshop will be delivered by a joint team from CQUniversity and Belash Pty Ltd, who offer innovative dSTATCOM solutions for overcoming several challenges in grid integration of renewable energy resources.
CQUniversity
- Dr. Umme Mumtahina,
- A/Professor Sanath Alahakoon
Belash Pty Ltd
- Mr. Mark Hibbert
- Mr. Shane Goodwin
- Mr. Edward Burstinghaus
Workshop Overview
Energy production plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of modern life, supporting economic activity, public services, and social well-being. However, reliance on fossil fuels has led to serious environmental consequences, particularly in the form of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In response, the Australian Federal Government has committed to an ambitious decarbonization strategy. This strategy focuses on a national transition toward renewable energy sources that aim to deliver long-term electricity price stability, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
One of the major technical challenges facing the transition to a renewable-powered grid is the management of voltage variability caused by high penetration of decentralized energy sources, particularly rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Traditional electricity distribution networks, originally designed for one-way power flows and centralized generation, are now facing issues such as voltage imbalance, over-voltage, and power quality degradation.
This workshop investigates the use of distributed static synchronous compensators (dSTATCOMs) to regulate voltage and improve power quality in distribution networks with high levels of renewable energy. Two control strategies are compared: independent phase reactive power control and sequence-based control. The analysis shows that sequence-based control provides significantly improved voltage balancing, reduced negative and zero sequence voltages, and the ability to redistribute real power among phases.
Furthermore, the workshop addresses the optimal placement of dSTATCOMs within the network. Strategic siting maximizes the effectiveness of these devices by targeting voltage-weak or heavily loaded nodes, enhancing overall system stability while minimizing installation and operational costs. Optimization algorithms are used to determine a placement that delivers the highest technical and economic benefits.
