FACTS and Distributed Generation H63DGR Introduction This module introduces the concepts and principles of operation of distributed

generation and Flexible AC transmission systems. Distributed generation has become increasingly common as most renewable generation is on a relatively small scale but is being actively developed because of concerns over pollution from large fossil fuelled plants. In this module the impact of this type of generation on the distribution systems is described. A Flexible AC transmission Systems (FACTS) is the commonly used term for power electronic devices applied to power quality control. The principle and limits of operation of typical devices will be described in this module. Introduction: Distribution Systems Due to environmental concerns the power industries around the world have become deregulated to allow small generators to be applied to the electrical power systems. This is because most renewable energy sources tend to be on a small scale. Because of their small size (at most a few MW) distributed generation is mainly connected to the power system at the distribution level which is the medium to low voltage part of the power system. This is completely changing the operation of distribution systems. It is therefore important to understand the nature of distribution systems so as to appreciate the problems and opportunities associated with distributed generation. The medium voltage level is normally considered to be from 100 kV to a few kV (33 kV, 11 kV or 6.6 kV in UK) and line lengths are no more than a few 10s of km. There are a wide variety of distribution systems. Some urban distribution systems are interconnected but the vast majority of the distribution systems are essentially radial in nature (with several spurs) and this helps the coordination of protection. Traditionally there would be a single power supply point in a HV/MV substation which fed each of the radial distribution lines. A typical arrangement is as shown in Figure 1. This shows two radial distribution lines being fed by the same two transformers attached to the common substation busbar. The use of two parallel transformers is very common as it provides redundancy for maintenance or repair. The medium voltage distribution line will then feed loads via the MV/LV transformers shown. Typical MV line lengths are 10s of km. In the UK the MV/LV transformers would be

3 phase and may feed an industrial 3 phase load or single phase domestic loads via a 3 phase LV transmission system which could also be a few km in length. In America the MV/LV transformers only supplies a few loads and are often single phase which makes the distribution system more unbalanced and more difficult to analyse. A picture of a typical HV/MV substation is shown in Figure 2. The protection of the distribution transmission lines is normally coordinated by a simple time or current graded scheme which assumes there is only a single supply point. The transformers are protected by a current differential scheme. The three phase transformers have an earthed Star delta arrangement to reduce the propagation of 3rd Harmonics from the loads but that also assumes there is a single supply point. The deployment of distributed generation therefore complicates the protection of distribution systems as it can feed a fault from the other points and can cause significant over voltages in the healthy lines during single phase faults due to it feeding a fault current back through a MV/LV transformer. The distribution overhead lines and cables are relatively lossy and have a significant R/X ratio (close to unity) so for the radial systems this makes the solution for power flows ill conditioned. The normal techniques for estimating power flow as used on the transmission system can not be used for the distributions system. The significant R/X ratio also implies that potentially high power losses can occur and there might be power quality problems on distribution systems. Microgrids are a coordinated assemblage of small generators, loads and energy storage devices. There is normally either a centralised controller or one master unit coordinating the system voltage and frequency. Isolated or autonomous microgrids usually require a good mix of generators and possibly power storage systems to ensure continuity of supply. Microgrids are being developed as a method for providing coordinated renewable generation in small communities. Small autonomous microgrids present significant challenge for power quality and safety as the small scale means that loads and generator changes have a large impact. Proposed microgrid structures and control schemes will be described in this course.

DP OCP HV busbar MV busbar OCP

OCP DP

HV/MV transformer MV/LV transformer OCP = over current protection DP = differential protection Figure 1 Typical distribution system layout

Figure 2. A HV/MV substation in Blumenau, Brazil

Introduction: Flexible AC Transmission systems FACTS controllers are based on and assembly of power electronic converters or high power ac switches and range from a few kW to tens of MW. FACTS controllers can provide fast and precise control of power flow and system voltages. Traditionally power systems have been controlled by mechanically actuated devices (e.g. tap changers and switch gear) which have limited operation and poor response times. This has lead to power transmission and distribution systems being operated in an over engineered state with greater margins and redundancies. FACTS controllers offer the opportunity of greatly improving the efficiency and quality of the electrical power supply systems. Typically FACTS devices are either shunt or series connected and provide real and reactive power control using either switched reactors, thyristor controlled reactors or power converters. Typical connection arrangements are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. The operation and performance of these FACTS devices will be studied in this course. jX/2 ISM jX/2 IMR

VS

VM IM

VR

Figure 3 Transmission line with shunt compensation providing voltage VM and current IM at the centre

jX/2

jX/2

VG

Vpq

VS

VM

VR

Figure 4 Series compensator arrangement for a power transmission system Vpq is a controllable voltage source