STATCOM effect on voltage stability in Ghanaian electrical grid

This paper deals with using STATCOM for voltage stability purposes which is analyzed on the Ghanaian power system development. Preliminary studies have shown that the northern sector is vulnerable to voltage instability which has led to the proposed installation of STATCOM in a key substation Tamale. It is therefore necessary to assess the performance of the device when put in operation. Comparison had therefore been made between the use of STATCOM and a fixed compensator. Line and generator contingencies as well as small signal disturbances analysis have been carried out. Voltage stability is improved with the installation of STATCOM but do not affect the interconnection between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Further evaluation focused on the inter-tie is proposed.