STATCOM is an important reactive power source in modern power system. The model requirements for electromagnetic or electromechanical transient analysis are quite different. Even though the parameter design method in Matlab/Simulink is matured the universal parameter design method is still unavailable in PSD-BPA.

The typical topology and working principles of STATCOM are analysed firstly in this paper. The mathematical models of STATCOM in Matlab/Simulink for electromagnetic transient analysis and mathematical models of STATCOM in PSD-BPA for electromechanical transient analysis are presented respectively. Both d axis and q axis control loops are presented in the detailed model of Matlab/Simulink. The d axis loop controls the bus voltage / reactive power while q axis loop controls the DC voltage. There are two types of STATCOM models in PSD-BPA. The STATCOM is regarded as a controlled voltage source in one type and a controlled current source in the other. Both models contain bus voltage control loop and the DC voltage control loop is ignored since PSD-BPA focus on grid analysis.

The dynamic responses of the two simulation platforms are compared afterwards. The typical parameter design method for detailed model in Matlab/Simulink is presented. The control link functions are analysed and a universal parameter design method for PSD-BPA is illustrated according to the detailed model in Matlab/Simulink.