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Overview of FACTS Devices in Power Systems

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) are power electronic devices that improve power flow control and grid stability. They include Static VAR Compensators (SVCs) and Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSCs). SVCs control voltage by generating or absorbing reactive power. TCSCs are series capacitive reactance compensators that can increase transmission capacity and improve stability. While FACTS provide benefits like increased reliability and utilization, their non-linear nature can induce harmonics and they involve relatively high costs.

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90 views20 pages

Overview of FACTS Devices in Power Systems

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) are power electronic devices that improve power flow control and grid stability. They include Static VAR Compensators (SVCs) and Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSCs). SVCs control voltage by generating or absorbing reactive power. TCSCs are series capacitive reactance compensators that can increase transmission capacity and improve stability. While FACTS provide benefits like increased reliability and utilization, their non-linear nature can induce harmonics and they involve relatively high costs.

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FLEXIBLE AC TRANSMISSION

SYSTEMS
What is FACTS?

FACTS are power electronic based devices which improves the


controllability and stability of system.
Flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) controllers
are capable of controlling power flows and enhancing the usable
capacity of existing transmission lines.
Need for FACTS devices
To control the reactive power FACTS devices are needed
For improving power factor
It helps in increasing stability of system
To enhance the quality of supply
Includes financial benefits
Benefits of FACTS
Increased transmission system reliability
Better utilization of existing power transmission system
It damp out power oscillations and increases the transient stability
Increase power transmission capability
Decrease power transmission losses
Improved load sharing capability
Static VAR Compensator
SVCs are shunt devices that can control line voltages.
The SVC is a parallel combination of many fixed or switched branches,
of which atleast one has thyristors, and combination of branches
depend on requirements.
It generates reactive power by switching capacitor banks when
system voltage is low or loads are inductive.
Likewise, the SVC absorbs reactive power when system voltage is high
or loads are capacitive.
Design and Configuration
There are three common configurations of SVCs,

1. Thyristor-controlled Reactors with Fixed Capacitors (TCR/FC)


2. Thristor switched capacitors (TSC)
3. Thyristor-controlled Reactors and Thyristor switched capacitors
(TCR/TSC)
Thyristor-controlled Reactors with Fixed
Capacitors (TCR/FC)
This SVC design consists of two parallel branches connected on the
secondary side of a coupling transformer. One of the branches is
composed of reactors that are controlled by AC thyristor switches.
In addition, the reactors are connected in delta for three-phase
applications. The other branch could either be fixed capacitor banks
or shunt filters.
The variation of reactive power is accomplished by controlling the
thyristors firing instants and, accordingly, the current that flows by
the reactance.
TCR with FC
SVC V-I Characteristic

The SVC can be operated in two different modes:


In voltage regulation mode (the voltage is regulated within limits)
In var control mode (the SVC susceptance is kept constant)
When the SVC is operated in voltage regulation mode, it implements
the following V-I characteristic.
SVC v-i characteristic
SVC v-i characteristic
As long as the SVC susceptance (B) stays within the maximum and minimum
susceptance values imposed by the total reactive power of capacitor
banks (Bcmax) and reactor banks (Blmax), the voltage is regulated at the reference
voltage Vref.
However, a voltage drop is normally used (usually between 1% and 4% at maximum
reactive power output), and the V-I characteristic has the slope indicated.
The V-I characteristic is described by the following three equations:
SVC v-i characteristic
Where,
V denotes the positive sequence voltage
I denotes the reactive current (I>0 indicates an inductive current)
X s denotes the slope or droop reactance
Bcmax denotes the maximum capacitive susceptance with all TSCs
in service, no TSR or TCR
Bl ma denotes the maximum inductive susceptance with all TSRs
in service, or TCRs at full conduction, without TSC.
Benefits of SVCs

Maximized power compensation


Near-instantaneous response to system voltage variations
Increased customers economic benefits
Eliminate harmonics and reduce voltage distortion with
appropriate shunt filters
Load balancing on three-phase systems
Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor
TCSC is a series FACTS device and is a capacitive reactance
compensator.
In this TCSC theory the capacitor is inserted directly in series with the
transmission line and the thyristor controlled inductor is mounted
directly in parallel
Uses of TCSC
Increases power transmission capability
Improve system stability
Reduce system losses
Improve voltage profile of the lines
Optimize power flow between parallel lines
Damping of the power swings from local and inter area oscillations
Operating modes of TCSC
Blocking mode
Bypass mode
Capacitive boost mode
Inductive boost mode
Modes of TCSC
Operation
In case of blocked operating mode, the thyristor valve is not triggered
and the thyristor are kept in non-conducting state.
In case of bypass mode, as the thyristors are fully conducting, most of
the line current flows through thyristors and hence TCSC has small net
inductive reactance.
In vernier control, thyristors are conducted in such a manner that a
controlled amount of inductive current can circulate through the
capacitor, thereby increasing effective capacitance/inductive
reactance of the module.
Drawbacks of FACTS devices

Major disadvantage is that these devices are non linear devices


They induce harmonics in the output signal of the system
Cost is high
Thank you

Common questions

Powered by AI

When implementing FACTS devices, it is essential to consider factors such as system requirements for voltage stability, the extent of reactive power control needed, potential harmonic generation, and cost constraints. Careful selection of device type and configuration (such as SVC or TCSC setups) is crucial, and integrating harmonics filters or employing advanced control algorithms may be necessary to prevent negative impacts on system performance. Ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and future scalability are also important to maximize effectiveness and avoid additional system issues .

SVCs provide economic benefits by maximizing power compensation, which enables better asset utilization and potentially reduces the need for additional infrastructure. Their near-instantaneous response to system voltage variations ensures a rapid correction that minimizes voltage instability and distortions, helping maintain power quality and reducing operational losses. This fast response is critical for sustaining economic efficiency and reliability in power distribution .

The TCR/FC configuration in SVCs consists of parallel branches connected on the secondary side of a coupling transformer, with one branch using thyristor-controlled reactors (TCR) and the other composed of fixed capacitor banks or shunt filters. The TCR allows for variation in reactive power by controlling thyristor firing, while the fixed capacitors provide consistent reactive power support. This configuration contrasts with TSC or combined TCR/TSC setups where greater flexibility is achieved through dynamic switching of capacitive or inductive elements .

TCSCs enhance transmission line capabilities by increasing power transmission capability, improving system stability, reducing system losses, improving voltage profiles, optimizing power flow between parallel lines, and damping power swings. TCSCs achieve these enhancements through various operating modes, such as blocking mode (no thyristor triggering), bypass mode (maximum conduction of thyristors), capacitive boost mode, and inductive boost mode. Each mode modulates the line's capacitive or inductive reactance to optimize performance .

Harmonics introduced by nonlinear FACTS devices can distort voltage and current waveforms, leading to inefficiencies, heating, and equipment malfunction. These harmonics may affect power quality and can cause increased losses in transformers and lines. To mitigate these effects, appropriate filtering techniques, such as using shunt filters, can be employed to eliminate harmonics and reduce voltage distortion, thus maintaining system performance and reliability .

SVCs manage line voltages by generating reactive power when system voltage is low and absorbing reactive power when system voltage is high. The common configurations for SVCs include Thyristor-controlled Reactors with Fixed Capacitors (TCR/FC), Thyristor-switched Capacitors (TSC), and Thyristor-controlled Reactors combined with Thyristor-switched Capacitors (TCR/TSC). Each configuration allows for different methods of reactive power control depending on the requirements of the transmission system .

Under voltage regulation mode, the V-I characteristic of an SVC ensures that the voltage is maintained at a reference level as long as the susceptance remains within its limits. The characteristic slope allows for a controlled voltage drop, usually between 1% and 4% at maximum reactive power output. This functionality helps the SVC manage reactive currents effectively, balancing the system's voltage and stabilizing power flow during fluctuations .

Reactive power control in FACTS devices is crucial for maintaining voltage levels, improving power factor, and enhancing the stability of the power system. By adjusting reactive power, FACTS devices can improve load flow, minimize transmission losses, and stabilize the system during dynamic conditions. This control is essential for preventing voltage collapse and ensuring that power delivery remains efficient and reliable across the grid .

The main challenges associated with FACTS devices are their nonlinear nature, which can introduce harmonics into the power system, potentially leading to signal distortion and reduced power quality. Additionally, the high cost of FACTS devices can be a barrier to widespread implementation, as the financial investment required may not be feasible for all power systems despite the operational benefits they offer .

FACTS devices offer significant benefits including increased transmission system reliability, better utilization of existing power transmission systems, damping of power oscillations, increased transient stability, increased power transmission capability, decreased power transmission losses, and improved load sharing capability. These benefits directly address challenges such as stability issues, limited capacity of existing lines, power losses, and inefficient power distribution, thereby enhancing the overall quality and economic efficiency of power supply .

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