DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PHASE SHIFT CONVERTER INTEGRATED WITH A STATIC COMPENSATOR FOR A SINGLE PHASE TO MULTIPLE PHASE POWER CONVERSION AND VOLTAGE STABILITY ENHANCEMENT
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This project presents the design and implementation of a Phase Shift Converter integrated with a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) for efficient conversion of single-phase to three-phase power and enhanced voltage stability. The system was developed to address the limitations of single-phase supply in powering three-phase loads, especially in rural and low-infrastructure regions where voltage fluctuation, unbalanced loads, and poor power quality are common challenges. The proposed design combines a power-electronic-based phase shift converter with a STATCOM to provide both phase generation and reactive power compensation within a single, compact framework. The system employs two ATmega328 microcontrollers: one generates synchronized sinusoidal pulse-width modulation (SPWM) signals with 120° phase displacement to produce balanced three-phase output, while the second monitors voltage variations and controls the STATCOM operation to maintain power quality. The converter stage uses IRFZ44N MOSFETs driven through opto-isolated PC817 gate drivers and is powered by a KBL406 bridge rectifier and L7812 voltage regulators. The STATCOM operates as a voltage source inverter (VSI) under a proportional–integral (PI) control algorithm to provide dynamic reactive power support. Experimental and simulation results validated the effectiveness of the system. The converter successfully generated three balanced AC phases from a single-phase input with precise 120° phase separation. The integrated STATCOM significantly improved voltage regulation, limiting deviations within ±5% during sudden load changes. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output waveform was maintained below 5%, and voltage correction response time was observed to be less than 200 milliseconds. The combined operation of the phase shift converter and STATCOM offers a 50% reliable, low-cost, amounting to #180000 and energy-efficient alternative to conventional grid expansion or generator-based solutions. This approach is particularly beneficial for rural electrification, renewable energy systems, and small-scale industrial setups requiring stable three-phase power derived from single-phase sources.
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