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FLEXIBLE A.C. TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
ABSTRACT
The rapid development of power electronics technology provides exciting
opportunities to develop new power system equipment for better utilization of existing
systems. Such as enhancing the security, capacity and flexibility of power transmission
systems. FACTS solutions enable power grid owners to increase existing transmission
network capacity while maintaining or improving the operating margins necessary for
grid stability. Supply of reliable, high-quality electrical energy at a reasonable cost is at
the heart of the nation's economy. The electric power system is one of the nation's
important infrastructures, and the infrastructure most closely tied with the gross domestic
product. In view of changes in both the operating and business sector of the electric
utility industry. These changes have been mandated by provisions of the Energy Policy
Act of 1992, and electric utilities to provide open access to the transmission system.
Several advanced methods are developed for maintaining a high degree of power
quality and reliability under a deregulated environment. At the distribution level, flexible
control strategies involve computerized automation of system control devices such as
capacitor banks, under load tap changing transformers (Ultc’s) and voltage regulators. In
the transmission system, a new method of achieving this control is through the use of
power electronics based Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices. This paper
provides a comprehensive guide to FACTS, covering all the major aspects in research
and development of FACTS technologies. Various real-world applications are also
included to demonstrate the issues and benefits of applying FACTS.The objective of this
project is to create a multi-institutional power curriculum to address this new
environment and technologies.
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INTRODUCTION
Over the years, it has become clear that the maximum safe operating capacity of
the transmission system is often based on
voltage and angular stability rather than on its physical limitations. So rather than
constructing new lines, industry has tended towards the development of technologies or
devices that increase transmission network capacity while maintaining or even
improving grid stability. Many of these now established technologies fall under the title
of FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems). They not only improve the capacity of
power transmission systems, but flexibility is also greatly enhanced.
The FACTS is not a single high power controller, but rather a collection of
controllers, which can be applied individually or in co-ordination with others to control
one or more of the interrelated system parameters mentioned above. A well-chosen
FACTS controller can overcome the specific limitations of a designated transmission line
or a corridor. Because all FACTS controllers represent applications of the same basic
technology, there production can eventually take advantage of technologies of scale. Just
as a transistor is a basic element for a whole variety of micro-electronic chip and circuits,
the thyristor or high power transistor is the basic element for a variety of high power
electronic controllers.
The opportunities arising through the ability of FACTS controllers to control the inter-
related parameters that govern the operation of transmission systems including series
impedance, shunt impedance, current, voltage, phase angle and the damping of
oscillations at various frequencies below the rated frequency.
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NEEDS OF FACTS TECHNOLOGY:
There are number of stability issues that limit the transmission capability which
include:
Transient stability
Dynamic stability
Steady state stability
The FACTS technology can be used to overcome any of the stability limits, thus
enhancing the transmission ability and load capability of the system.
BASIC TYPES OF FACTS CONTROLLERS:
FACTS devices are integrated in a system for a variety of reasons, such as power flow
control, reactive power (var) compensation, loop flows or ancillary functions like
damping of oscillations. These devices can be applied in shunt, in series, and in some
cases, both in shunt and series. Series devices include Thyristor-controlled series
capacitors (TCSC) and Fixed series capacitors (SC). Shunt devices include static vary
compensators (SVC), and SVC Light® (otherwise known as STATCOM)
STATIC SERIES COMPENSATORS:
Fixed series capacitors (SC):
The series controller can be a variable impedance, such as capacitor, reactor. Or a
power electronics based variable source of min frequency, sub synchronous and
harmonic frequencies (or a combination) to serve the desired need .in principle all
controllers inject voltage in series with the line. Even variable impedance multiplied by
the current flow through it, represents an injected series voltage in the line. as long as the
voltage is in phase quadrature with line current, the series controller only supplies or
consumes variable reactive power . any other phase relationship will involve handling of
real power as well. Static series compensation is used in order to decrease the transfer
reactance of a power line at power frequency. The result is improved functionality of the
power transmission system through: increased angular stability of the power corridor
roved voltage stability of the corridor optimized power sharing between parallel circuits
Various types of Static series compensators are:
GCSC - GTO Thyristor-controlled series capacitor.
TSSC - Thyristor switched series capacitor.
TCSC - Thyristor-controlled series capacitor.
SSSC - Static synchronous series compensator.
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Among these types, TCSC is the most useful and has many applications. Thus we
shall be proceeding with the explanation of TCSC(Thyristor-controlled series capacitor
TCSC - Thyristor-controlled series capacitor:
Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSC) provide
a proven technology that addresses specific dynamic
problems in transmission systems. TCSC's are an
excellent tool to introduce if increased damping is
required when interconnecting large electrical systems.
Additionally, they can overcome the problem of Sub
synchronous Resonance (SSR), a phenomenon that
involves an interaction between large thermal
generating units and series compensated transmission
systems.
STATIC SHUNT COMPENSATORS:
As in the case of the series controller, the shunt controllers may have a variable impedance, variable
source, or a combination of these. In principle, all shunt controllers inject current into the system at the
point of connection. Even a variable shunt impedance connected to the line voltage causes a variable
current flow and hence represents injection of current into the line. As long as the injected current is in
phase quadrature with the line voltage, the shunt controller only supplies or consumes variable reactive
power. Any other phase relationship will involve handling of real power as well.
Various types of static shunt compensators are:
SVC -Static Var Compensation
STATCOM–STATic COMpensator.
Static Var Compensation SVC:
Electrical loads both generate and absorb reactive power. Since the transmitted
load varies considerably from one hour to another, the reactive power balance in a grid
varies as well. The result can be unacceptable voltage amplitude variations, a voltage
depression, or even a voltage collapse. A rapidly operating Static Var Compensator
(SVC) can continuously provide the reactive power required to control dynamic voltage
swings under various system conditions and thereby improve the power system
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transmission and distribution performance. Installing an SVC at one or more suitable
points in the network can increase transfer capability and reduce losses while
maintaining a smooth voltage profile under different network conditions. In addition, an
SVC can mitigate active power oscillations through voltage amplitude modulation.
STATCOM:
STATCOM (Static Compensator) has a characteristic similar to the synchronous
condenser, but as an electronic device, it has no inertia and is superior to the synchronous
condenser in several ways - better dynamics, a lower investment cost, and lower
operating and maintenance costs. STATCOM is to be selected when the technical
performance in a specific application so requires. However, utilizing thyristors with turn-
off capability (GTO or IGCT), which is the common approach in the industry, does not
allow the full potential of a STATCOM concept to be obtained.
STATCOM are based on voltage source converter technology equipped with IGBT
(Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).With the advent of STATCOM, better performance
Dynamic and steady-state voltage control
Transient stability improvements
Power oscillation damping
Ability to control active as well as reactive power.
Practical application of statcom in Steel Industry:
Industry, as well as commercial and domestic groups
of users, demands power quality. Flickering lamps are no
longer accepted, nor are deratings or interruptions of
industrial processes due to insufficient power quality.
Demands for increased steel production and rules for network
disturbances have, together with increasing cost of energy,
made reactive power compensation a profitable solution in the
steel industry. A common trend among steel producers is to increase the rating of the
Electrical Arc Furnace. Often, the power supply is poor and insufficient. A modern and
cost efficient steel melting process demands a stable and steady voltage support for the
Electric Arc Furnace. With dynamic reactive power compensation, the random voltage
variations characterized by an arc furnace are minimized. The minimized voltage
variations are achieved by continuously compensating the reactive power consumption
from the arc furnace. The result is an overall improvement of the furnace operation,
which leads to better process and production economy.
Applications of FACTS in Power Systems:
FACTS can confine or neutralize electrical disturbances such as voltage sags and
fluctuations, flicker, harmonic distortion, and phase unbalance in three-phase systems. In
addition, improved economy of the process or processes in question will also be
achieved. FACTS are designed to remove such constraints in a fast and intelligent way
so that planners', investors' and operators' goals are met without them having to
undertake major system additions.
FACTS solutions enable power grid owners to increase existing transmission network
capacity while maintaining or improving the operating margins necessary for grid
stability. As a result, more power can reach consumers with very little impact on the
environment, project implementation times are shorter, and investment costs are lower
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when compared with the alternative of building new transmission lines or power
generation facilities. Flexibility is provided as FACTS can influence several parameters
in the grid, such as active and reactive power flows.
The fast var capabilities of SVC make it highly suitable for:
Steady-state as well as dynamic voltage stabilization. This means that power
transfer capability is increased and voltage variations are reduced.
Synchronous stability improvements. This in turn leads to increased transient
stability and improved power system damping.
Dynamic balancing of unsymmetrical loads.
Power quality improvement:
Power quality includes many aspects: sags, disruptions, harmonics, flicker and
fluctuations are just some of the phenomena involved. Voltage sags, for example, result
from faults in the grid and may be caused by lightening strikes, insulation breakdowns or
flash-over to ground. Whatever the reason, maintaining or improving power quality in
transmission and distribution networks is very important. FACTS have more than proven
itself when it comes to power quality problems. as the following example will illustrate.
Suppose a region or a country decides to build a much needed steel plant. A
suitable location is determined in terms of potential GNP growth and employment.
However, the ability of the supplying grid is, in many cases, overlooked. The factory is
built but the grid is often found to be weak or even insufficient. The result is
unsatisfactory plant performance as well as added "pollution" to the grid that spreads and
affects other industries connected to it.
In such cases, FACTS can confine or neutralize electrical disturbances such as
voltage sags and fluctuations, flicker, harmonic distortion, and phase unbalance in three-
phase systems. In addition, improved economy of the process or processes in question
will also be achieved.
Long distance AC power transmission:
In cases of long distance AC power transmission, maintaining synchronism as well
as stable system voltages, particularly in conjunction
with system faults is very important. With series
compensation, safe bulk AC power transmissions over
distances of more than 1,000 km are very much a reality
today. With the advent of thyristor-controlled series
compensation, greater capability as well as flexibility is
added to the AC power transmission concept.
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POWER OSCILLATION DAMPING IN INDIA:
In India, two TCSCs have been installed
on a double circuit 400 kV power transmission
inter-connector between the Eastern and Western
regions of the grid. The total inter-connector
length is 412 km. This AC inter-connector is
needed so that surplus energy is exported from
the Eastern to the Western regions of India during
normal operating conditions and during
contingencies.
The use of TCSC ensures that inter-area power oscillations between the regions
are damped. Without it, it is highly probable that power transfer over the inter-connector
would be limited. Dynamic simulations proving the effectiveness of the TCSC as power
oscillation dampers were performed during the design stage and these were subsequently
confirmed at the commissioning and testing stage. A site view of the TCSC is shown
INCREASING EXISTING GRID UTILIZATION:
FACTS solutions are an attractive means to raise the capability or enhance the reliability
of the grid. In many countries new transmission facilities are not permitted and
transmission grids world-wide are as a consequence of load growth stressed closer to
their power transfer limits. In many cases FACTS solutions appear as an attractive short
term means to raise the transfer limit or to more generally enhance the reliability of the
existing grid.
FACTS UPGRADE:
There are more than a thousand FACTS installations worldwide. A great deal of those
has been in-service for decades. Lifetime expiration is not the only reason to consider a
FACTS upgrade. Other reasons may be:
Changes in the power system, e.g. short-circuit power may have or will be
changed; there may be an urge to increase transmitted power, etc.
To gain from the technology development taken place since the original
installation was delivered.
To increase the installation availability, or exchange obsolete technology. A
typical problem may be the spare parts availability or the desire to facilitate maintenance.
To add functionality to the installation, e.g. new control or protective functions,
remote communication, diagnostics, etc.
Changes in environmental requirements e.g. sound emission, seismic
qualification, aesthetic perception, reduced footprint, etc.
]
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CONCLUSIONS:
Control of power flow as ordered. The use of control of the power flow may be to
follow a contract, meet the utilities own needs, ensure optimum power flow, ride
through emergency conditions, or a combination thereof.
Increase the loading capability of lines to their thermal capabilities, including
short term and seasonal. This can be accomplished by overcoming other limitations
and sharing of power among lines according to their capability.
Increase the system security through raising the transient stability limit, limiting
short-circuit currents and overloads, managing cascading blackouts and damping
electro mechanical oscillations of power systems and machines.
Provide secure tie line connections to neighboring utilities and regions thereby
decreasing overall generation reserve requirement on both sides.
Provide greater flexibility in sitting new generation.
Upgrade of lines.
Reduce reactive power flows, thus allowing the lines to carry more active power.
Reduce loop flows.
.
Increase utilization of lowest cost generation. One of the principle reasons for
transmission interconnections is to utilize lowest cost generation. When this cannot
be done, it follows that there is not enough cost effective transmission capacity. Cost
effective enhancement of capacity will therefore allow increased use of lowest cost
generation.
References:-
1. Understanding facts by naraing. hingorani and laszlo gyugyi.
2. http://www.abb.com.tw
3. [email protected]
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