FLEXIBLE ALTERNATING CURRENT TRANSMISSION

SYSTEM (FACTS) DEVICES

Assignment No. 03
Submitted By:
Name: Engr. Muhammad Muzammal & Kashif Subhan
Registration No. M23S0019EPS002 & M23S0018EPS001
Semester: 4th
Course: Advanced Power System Analysis
Submitted To:
Dr. Sohail Khan

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
PAK-AUSTRIA FACHHOCHSCHULE INSTITUTE OF APPLIED
SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY, HARIPUR
Contents
Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) Devices ............................................................................. 3
1. Static Var Compensators (SVC) ...................................................................................................... 3
2. Static Compensator (STATCOM) ................................................................................................... 4
3. Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM) ........................................................................... 6
4. Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC).......................................................................................... 7
5. Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC)................................................................................... 8
6. Comparsion and Conclusion:........................................................................................................... 8

List of Figures:
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of a typical Static Var Compensators (SVCs): (a)TCR with fixed
capacitor bank, (b) TCR with switched capacitor bank, and (c) TSC Compensator................................ 4
Figure 2. An illustration of the operation principle of the STATCOM .................................................. 5
Figure 3. Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM) ................................................................... 6
Figure 4. Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) .................................................................................. 7
Figure 5. Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) ........................................................................... 8
 Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) Devices
IEEE defines FACTS Devices as “ Alternating Current Transmission System incorporating
power electronic based and other static controllers to enhance controllability and enhance
power transfer capability. This technology offers control of power flow on their transmission
routes, and safe loading of transmission line to their thermal limits. The FACTS devices are
used in power systems to improve their performance by controlling the voltage, current, and
impedance of the power transmission lines. There are several FACTS devices available,
including Static VAR Compensator (SVC), Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM),
Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (D-STATCOM), Unified Power Flow Controller
(UPFC), and Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC). The SVC, STATCOM and D-
STATCOM have shunt connection whereas UPFC and UPQC have both series and shunt
connections. Here are the comparisons and applications of each of these devices.

1. Static Var Compensators (SVC):

The Static Var Compensator (SVC) is a shunt-connected FACT Device that is used to the
regulate the voltage of power system by providing leading or lagging reactive power that is
totally depends on transmission line or system requirements. For the smooth regulation of
current through a shunt reactor, a thyristor valve made up of two thyristors connected in
antiparallel is used.

Typically, Static Var Compensators (SVC) are classified into three main categories on the basis
of power electronics based controlling mechanisms.

1. Thyristor Controlled Reactors (TCR) with Fixed Capacitors (FCs) Bank

2. Thyristor Controlled Reactor (TCR) with Switched Capacitors (SCs) Bank
3. Thyristor Switched Capacitors (TSC) Compensator
Figure 1Schematic Diagram of a typical Static Var Compensators (SVCs): (a)TCR with fixed
capacitor bank, (b) TCR with switched capacitor bank, and (c) TSC Compensator
SVC provides fast-acting reactive power compensation on high voltage power transmission
networks. It consists of TCR in parallel with a FCs bank or SCs bank. SVC regulates voltage
by generating or absorbing reactive power. When system voltage is low, SVC generates
reactive power (SVC capacitive). When system voltage is high, SVC absorbs reactive power
(SVC inductive). The terminal bus voltage is the control variable that is controlled by SVC.
The instant response of the Static VAR Compensator (SVC) is enabled by the thyristor firing
angle control. The susceptance of SVC can be controlled using TCR, firing thyristors in a
suitable angle range, typically 90°-180°. The firing angle control of the thyristor enables the
SVC to have instant response. At normal operation, SVC controls the total susceptance by
terminal voltage. At minimum or maximum susceptance, SVC acts like a fixed capacitor or
fixed inductor. At point Bmax, all thyristor switched capacitors are switched on and SVC
provides rated capacitive current at specified voltage. At point Bmin, the thyristor-controlled
reactor is fully switched on, and all thyristor switched capacitor off which gives inductive
current at a defined voltage.

2. Static Compensator (STATCOM):

A Static Compensator (STATCOM) is also called “GTO-SVC” is a shunt connected FACT
Device. It is used to compensate for reactive power demand, voltage sag, flicker, and transient
stability in power systems. The main advantage of STATCOM is its fast response time, which
enables it to provide voltage support during dynamic events such as faults and disturbances. It
provides variable legging or leading reactive power without using inductors or capacitors for
the var generation. Reactive power generation is produced by regulating the terminal voltage
of the converter. STATCOM have no rotating parts, fast in response, requires less space as
bulky passive components are eliminated, inherently modular and relocatable, less
maintenance and no problem as loss of synchronism. The STATCOM is made up of a voltage
source inverter by using Gate Turn-Off thyristor (GTOs) that produces an ac voltage source,
which is in phase with the transmission line voltage. It is connected to the line through a series
inductance. This reactance can be the transformer leakage inductance that is required to match
the inverter voltage of the line voltage.

Figure 2. An illustration of the operation principle of the STATCOM

The GTO converter produce the fundamental frequency voltage V2 which is in phase with the
power system voltage V1. The difference between them produces reactive current I that is
flowing through the transformer reactance X, which can be expressed as:

𝑉1 − 𝑉2
𝐼𝐿 =
𝑗𝑋𝐿

Case 1: When V2>V1

When V2 > V1, then I lead V1, thus the reactive power is delivered to the bus that is connected
to the line. Hence, the converter behaves like a capacitor.

Case 2: When V2<V1

On th.e other hand, if V2 < V1, then I lag V1, thus the reactive power is drawn from the bus
and the converter acts like a reactor.
 3. Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM)
A D-STATCOM is a shunt-connected device like a STATCOM but is used in distribution
networks rather than transmission networks. It provides fast and precise voltage regulation and
can be used to compensate for voltage sags and flickers in the distribution system.

Figure 3 Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM)

 4. Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC)
The Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is the most versatile FACTS controller for the
regulation of voltage and power flow in a transmission line. It consists of two voltage source
converters (VSC) one shunt connected and the other series connected. The DC capacitors of
the two converters are connected in parallel. If the switches 1 and 2 are open, the two converters
work as STATCOM and Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) controlling the
reactive current and reactive voltage injected in shunt and series respectively in the line. The
closing of the switches 1 and 2 enable the two converters to exchange real (active) power flow
between the two converters. The active power can be either absorbed or supplied by the series
connected converter. . It can regulate both active and reactive power flows and can be used to
mitigate power quality problems and improve dynamic stability in transmission systems. The
UPFC consists of two main components: a shunt compensator and a series compensator. The
shunt compensator is connected in parallel with the transmission line and provides voltage
support to the line. The series compensator is connected in series with the line and can inject a
controllable voltage or current to the line to modify its reactance.

Figure 4. Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC)

 5. Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC)
A Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC) is a combination of a shunt-connected
STATCOM and a series-connected Active Power Filter (APF). It is used to mitigate power
quality problems such as voltage sags, harmonics, and flicker in distribution networks. It
operates by injecting compensating voltage or current into the system to correct for the power
quality problems. The series-connected VSI can provide voltage regulation and harmonic
compensation, while the shunt-connected VSI can compensate for reactive power and voltage
fluctuations. It also provides load balancing and isolation capabilities by controlling the power
flow between the load and the supply. It can isolate the load from the supply during voltage
disturbances or protect sensitive loads from voltage fluctuations caused by other loads. UPQCs
are becoming increasingly popular in industrial and commercial applications where power
quality is critical, such as data centres, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. They can help
to ensure that sensitive equipment operates reliably and efficiently, reducing downtime and
maintenance costs.

Figure 5. Unified Power Quality Conditioner (UPQC)

6. Comparsion and Conclusion:

The incorporation of FACTS controllers in power system has led to more flexible, stable, and
reliable and secure power consumption. They clearly increase the power system performance,
improve quality of supply, and also provide optimal utilization of existing sources. FACTS
controllers are proven to be effective in power grids in well-developed countries like USA,
Canada, and Sweden. FACTS technology can boost power transfer capability by 20-30% by
increasing the flexibility of the systems. Power interchange with neighbouring countries
becomes easier and effective with FACTS devices. FACTS controllers also increase the load
ability, so that additional loads can be added in the system without addition of new transmission
and generating facilities.

The core difference between these devices is the way they are connected to the power system
and their primary function. SVC, STATCOM, and D-STATCOM are shunt-connected devices
that are used to regulate voltage and reactive power. UPFC and UPQC are combination devices
that provide additional functionality to regulate both active and reactive power flows and
mitigate power quality problems. FACTS devices are used to improve the efficiency, stability,
and control of power systems. Different types of FACTS devices have different applications
and functions, depending on the specific needs of the power system. SVC, STATCOM, and D-
STATCOM are shunt-connected devices used to regulate voltage and reactive power, while
UPFC and UPQC are combination devices that provide additional functionality to regulate both
active and reactive power flows and mitigate power quality problems.