The quality of electrical power in a network is a major concern which has to be examined with caution in order to achieve a reliable electrical power system network. Reactive power compensation is a means for realising the goal of a qualitative and reliable electrical power system. This paper made a comparative review of reactive power compensation technologies; the devices reviewed include Synchronous Condenser, Static Var Compensator (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM). These technologies were defined, critically examined and compared, the most promising technology is recommended for the realisation of an effective, efficient, sustainable, qualitative and reliable electrical power network.

Distributed Generation (DG) has become an essential part of the smart grids due to the widespread integration of renewable energy sources. Reactive power compensation is still one of most important research topics in smart grids. DG units can be used for reactive power compensation purposes, therefore we can improve the voltage profile and minimize power losses in order to improve the power quality. In this paper two methods will be used to accomplish the mentioned tasks; the first technique depends on the reactive power demand change of the proposed network loads, whereas the second technique uses an algorithm to control DG units according to the measured voltage values in the feeders to generate the needed reactive power. Both methods were applied to different scenarios of DG unit positions and different reactive power values of loads. The chosen DG unit is made up of a Type-4 wind farm which could be used as a general unit where it is able to control reactive power generation in a wider range separately from active power. The simulation results show that using these two methods, the voltage profile could be improved, power losses reduced and the power factor increased according to the placement of DG units.

In the modern electric power industry, Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) have a special place. In connection with the increased interest in the development of “smart energy”, the use of such devices is becoming especially urgent. Their main function is the ability to manage modes in real time: maintain the necessary level of voltage in the grids, control the power flow, increase the capacity of power lines and increase the static and dynamic stability of the power grid. The problem of system reliability and stability is related to the task of definitions and optimizations and planning indicators, design and exploitation. The main aim of this article is the definition of the best placement of the STATCOM compensator in case to provide stability and reliability of the grid with the minimization of the power losses, using Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms. All calculations were performed in MATLAB.

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The electric power sector in countries suffering from crises and wars such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, etc., is among the most affected infrastructures. Since this sector plays a vital role in the economic growth and in improving people’s quality of life, the post-crisis reconstruction of this sector must take into account the requirements and concepts of sustainable development (SD) in addition to technical and economic considerations. This article discusses the role that renewable energy sources (RES) can play in achieving SD in the post-crisis reconstruction phase of the Syrian Electric Power Sector (SEPS) as a case study. Based on the available data, the study period was chosen from 2005 to 2017 and divided into two periods. In the first period (2005–2010), which is the pre-crisis period, the structure of the SEPS and its main characteristics were described while the adoption of RES solutions and SD concepts were investigated. In the second period (2011–2017), the crisis period, the satiation of the SEPS and impact of the crisis were evaluated. The challenges that faced the adoption of SD concepts and RES solution were also addressed at this stage. Based on analysis and comparison of the available data, several scenarios were discussed to evaluate the role of RES in achieving SD in the post-crisis reconstruction phase of the SEPS. EnergyPLAN software was used for the techno and socio-economic evaluation of these scenarios. Our results emphasize the importance of the adoption of RES solutions in the reconstruction phase, as these can help promote SD concepts (reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment, increasing energy efficiency, creating jobs, etc.) and securing the electric supply of the SEPS while enhancing its stability.

The increased penetration of renewable energy sources in the electrical grid, due to the rapid increase of power demand and the need of diverse energy sources, has made distributed generation (DG) units an essential part of the modern electrical grid. The integration of many DG units in smart grids requires control and coordination between them, and the grid to maximize the benefits of the DG units. Smart grids and modern electronic devices require high standards of power quality, especially voltage quality. In this paper, a new methodology is presented to improve the voltage quality and power factor in smart grids. This method depends on using voltage variation and admittance values as inputs of a controller that controls the reactive power generation in all DG units. The results show that the controller is efficient in improving the voltage quality and power factor. Real data from an electrical network have been used in the simulation model in MATLAB Simulink to test the new approach.

Large power system disturbances and their consequences, represent a challenging problem for the power industry and especially for the network system operators, the ones who are responsible for the network operation at large, its security and reliability. This fact has reinforced interest in the new generation of monitoring systems with the aim to gain if possible a precise and maximum knowledge about those disturbances and their impact. Most of these severe events with impact on the entire system typically occur in or near the transmission network and are therefore best monitored at transmission system level. This puts great demands on the equipments and in general restricts the use of the data since it becomes property of the transmission system operator. Synchronized Phasor Measurement System has emerged as a powerful tool to improve power systems performance and reliability and fault localization possibility. Typical example of fault event that occurred in the transmission system and which was well registered by Phasor Measurement Units