Fast acting static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), a representative of FACTS family, is a promising technology being extensively used as the state-of-the-art dynamic shunt compensator for reactive power control in transmission and distribution system. Over the last couple of decades, researchers and engineers have made path-breaking research on this technology and by virtue of which, many STATCOM controllers based on the self-commutating solid-state voltage-source converter (VSC) have been developed and commercially put in operation to control system dynamics under stressed conditions. Because of its many attributes, STATCOM has emerged as a qualitatively superior controller relative to the line commutating static VAR compensator (SVC). This controller is called with different terminologies as STATic COMpensator advanced static VAR compensator, advanced static VAR generator or static VAR generator, STATic CONdenser, synchronous solid-state VAR compensator, VSC-based SVC or self-commutated SVC or static synchronous compensator (SSC or S2C). The development of STATCOM controller employing various solid-state converter topologies, magnetics configurations, control algorithms, switching techniques and so on, has been well reported in literature with its versatile applications in power system. A review on the state-of-the-art STATCOM technology and further research potential are presented classifying more than 300 research publications.

Static synchronous compensators (STATCOM): a review

This paper examines improvement of power system dynamics by use of unified power flow controllers, thyristor controlled phase shifting transformers and thyristor controlled series capacitors. Models suitable for incorporation in dynamic simulation programs for studying angle stability are analysed. A control strategy for the damping of electromechanical power oscillations using an energy function method is derived. The achieved control laws are shown to be effective both for the damping of large signal and small signal disturbances and are robust with respect to loading condition, fault location and network structure. Furthermore, the control inputs are easily attainable from locally measurable variables. The effectiveness of the controls are demonstrated for model power systems.

Improving power system dynamics by series-connected FACTS devices

This paper presents a global tuning procedure for FACTS device stabilizers (FDS) and power system stabilizers (PSS) in a multi-machine power system using a parameter-constrained nonlinear optimization algorithm implemented in a simulation program. This algorithm deals with such an optimization problem by solving a sequential quadratic programming using the dual algorithm. The main objective of this procedure is to simultaneously optimize pre-selected parameters of the FDSs and PSSs having fixed parameters in coping with the complex nonlinear nature of the power system. By minimizing a nonexplicit target function in which the oscillatory rotor modes of the generators involved and suing characteristics between areas are included, interactions among the FACTS controls under transient conditions in a multimachine power system are improved. A multimachine power system equipped with a TCSC and an SVC as well as three PSSs is applied to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the tuning procedure presented. The results obtained from simulations validate the improvement in damping of overall power oscillations in the system in an optimal and globally coordinated manner. The simulations also show that the stabilizers tuned are robust in providing adequate damping for a range of conditions in the system.

Optimization and Coordination of Damping Controls for Improving System Dynamic Performance

This paper examines the enhancement of power system stability properties by use of thyristor controlled series capacitors (TCSCs) and static VAr systems (SVCs). Models suitable for incorporation in dynamic simulation programs used to study angle stability are analyzed. A control strategy for damping of electromechanical power oscillations using an energy function method is derived. Using this control strategy each device (TCSC and SVC) will contribute to the damping of power swings without deteriorating the effect of the other power oscillation damping (POD) devices. The damping effect is robust with respect to loading condition, fault location and network structure. Furthermore, the control inputs are based on local signals. The effectiveness of the controls are demonstrated for model power systems.

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A Robust Control Strategy for Shunt and Series Reactive Compensators to Dame Electromechanical Oscillations

Examination of the behavior of SVCs and STATCOMs in electric power systems is presented. The paper is based on analytical and simulation analysis, and conclusions can be used as power industry guidelines. We explain the principle structures of SVCs and STATCOMs, the models for dynamic studies, and the impact of these devices on steady state voltage and transient voltage stability. Sensitivity analysis is provided which shows the impact of SVCs and STATCOMs with regard to network strength. Harmonic issues, space requirements, and price discussions are also briefly addressed.

Benefits of SVC and STATCOM for electric utility application

An advanced static VAr compensator capable of operating in all four quadrants of the P-Q plane is presented. It is realized by combining a GTO-controlled inverter with a battery energy storage system and a GTO-switched damping resistor. A hierarchically structured control system that fully utilizes the capabilities of the compensator to provide reactive power support in steady-state operation and both real and reactive power modulation in the event of power oscillations is developed. Results from simulation studies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this compensator in improving the loadability of long transmission lines and in providing damping in interarea oscillations. >

G.D. Galanos

Papers

Advanced static compensator for flexible AC transmission