FACTS Devices

There are two generations for realization of power electronics-based FACTS controllers. The first generation has resulted in the Static VAR Compensator (SVC), and the Thyristor- Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC).

The second generation has produced the Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), the Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC), and the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC).

Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC)

Location of TCSC in power system

It has been proven that the mid-point of transmission line is the optimal location of TCSC. But the optimal position to connect a TCSC is at the sending end where there is reactive power to be compensated.

Circuit components
Series fixed capacitor (FC) Thyristor controlled reactor (TCR)

Practical Module

 Mov : A metal-oxide varistor. Ld : A current limiting inductor.

UHSC : An ultra high-speed contact.

Modes of TCSC Operation

1- Bypassed-Thyristor Mode. 2- Blocked-Thyristor Mode. 3- Partially Conducting Thyristor, or Vernier, Mode.

Advantages of TCSC
Rapid and continuous control of the transmission-line series-compensation level. Dynamic control of power in selected transmission lines within the network to enable optimal power conditions and prevent the loop of power. Damping of the power swings from local and inter-area oscillations.

Suppression of sub synchronous oscillations. Enhanced level of protection for series capacitors. Reduction of the short-circuit current.

Disadvantages

Static VAR Compensator (SVC)

Static VAR Compensator (SVC)

It is an electrical device using power electronics for providing fast acting reactive power on high voltage electricity transmission networks. The term "static" refers to the fact that the SVC has no moving parts (other than circuit breakers and disconnects, which do not move under normal SVC operation), so it requires low maintenance. It is connected in shunt with the power system.

Circuit components

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Step down transformer Medium voltage switches gear. Compensation reactor. Thyristor valves converter. High order harmonics filtering device (capacitor banks). 6. water cooling system . 7. Full digital control system.

Principles of operation
The SVC regulates voltage at its terminal by controlling the amount of reactive power injected into or absorbed from the power system. When system voltage is low, the SVC generates reactive power (SVC capacitive). When system voltage is high, it absorbs reactive power (SVC inductive). The variation of reactive power is performed by switching three-phase capacitor banks and inductor banks connected on the secondary side of a coupling transformer.

Location of SVC in power system

It has been proven that the mid-point of transmission line is the optimal location of SVC. This proof is based on the linear load which is not valid practically. For non-linear load model it was found that the best location for advanced static var compensator close to the receiving end where a wide range of reactive power could be controlled.

Advantages of SVC
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Cheaper Higher capacity Faster & more reliable Simple operation Improve steady state stability & transient stability Voltage regulation Reduce transmission losses Increase power transfer capacity

Disadvantages of SVC

Same degradation in reactive capability as voltage drops as capacitors.

The problems solved with SVC

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Harmonics. The need for additional reactive power. Voltage fluctuation. Unbalanced loads. Rapid changes in reactive power. Power oscillation.

Benefits

How Static var compensator different from other FACT devices

Static Var Compensators are the most important FACTS devices; SVC's have high accuracy, availability and fast response and therefore give better steady state and transient voltage control compared to classical shunt compensation. SVC's require large inductive and capacitive components and occupy a larger space than STATCOMs. STATCOMs give higher reactive outputs at low voltages compared to SVCs.