Improving microgrid frequency stability through PI-PIDA-driven STATCOM optimization using a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm

Frequency instability caused by symmetrical and asymmetrical faults in a microgrid can cause significant oscillations and deviations from the nominal frequency. Therefore, there is a need to develop new control methods to ensure the rapid stabilization and recovery of the system. This research presents a novel approach to improving the primary frequency regulation in microgrids with a proportional–integral–proportional–integral–derivative–acceleration (PI-PIDA)-driven static synchronous compensator (STATCOM). In this innovation, the control of newly developed PI-PIDA is optimized through a combination of the artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) and the marine predator algorithm (MPA). The approach has been tested using a 20 MW wind-assisted microgrid on the MATLAB-SIMULINK platform under both symmetrical and asymmetrical fault scenarios. The study results show that, for symmetrical and asymmetrical faults, the hybrid MPA-AHA optimized PI-PIDA-STATCOM is the most effective due to the observed minimum frequency overshoot, best steady-state frequency, and ability to give the maximum reactive power support in both transient and steady states. Moreover, the proposed approach performed better than the other approaches under symmetrical and asymmetrical faults. The study provides sufficient evidence that the hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm provides an effective alternative for power system management.