2

10

10

Lecture 3
Advanced FACTS Devices and Applications:
Performance, Power Quality and Cost
Considerations
Paulo F. Ribeiro, BSEE, MBA, PHD, PE

CALVIN COLLEGE
Engineering Department
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
http://engr.calvin.edu/PRibeiro_WEBPAGE/
PRIBEIRO@CALVIN.EDU
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

FACTS

P. Ribeiro

The Concept
History / Background - Origin of FACTS, Opportunities, Trends
System Architectures and Limitations
Power Flow Control on AC Systems
Application Studies and Implementation
Basic Switching Devices
Conditioners: SVC, STATCOM, TCSC, UPFC, SMES
Specification, Cost Considerations and Technology Trends
Impact of FACTS in interconnected networks
Market Assessment, Deregulation and Predictions
June, 2002

The Concept

P. Ribeiro

X
V

P P P P
X
V
tg

June, 2002

The Concept and Challenges

A transmission system can carry power up to its thermal loading limits. But in
practice the system has the following constraints:
-Transmission stability limits
-Voltage limits
-Loop flows
Transmission stability limits: limits of transmittable power with which a transmission
system can ride through major faults in the system with its power transmission
capability intact.
Voltage limits: limits of power transmission where the system voltage can be kept
within permitted deviations from nominal.
Loop flows can be a problem as they are governed by the laws of nature which may
not be coincident with the contracted path. This means that power which is to be
sent from point A to point B in a grid will not necessarily take the shortest, direct
route, but will go uncontrolled and fan out to take unwanted paths available in the
grid.
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

The Concept
FACTS devices
FACTS are designed to remove such constraints and to meet planners, investors and operators goals
without their having to undertake major system additions. This offers ways of attaining an increase of
power transmission capacity at optimum conditions, i.e. at maximum availability, minimum transmission
losses, and minimum environmental impact. Plus, of course, at minimum investment cost and time
expenditure.
The term FACTS covers several power electronics based systems used for AC power transmission.
Given the nature of power electronics equipment, FACTS solutions will be particularly justifiable in
applications requiring one or more of the following qualities:
-Rapid dynamic response
-Ability for frequent variations in output
-Smoothly adjustable output.
Important applications in power transmission involving FACTS and Power Quality devices:
SVC (Static Var Compensators), Fixed * as well as Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSC) and
Statcom. Still others are PST (Phase-shifting Transformers), IPC (Interphase Power Controllers), UPFC
(Universal Power Flow Controllers), and DVR (Dynamic Voltage Restorers).
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

History, Concepts, Background, and Issues

Origin of FACTS
-Oil Embargo of 1974 and 1979
-Environmental Movement
-Magnetic Field Concerns
-Permit to build new transmission lines
-HVDC and SVCs
-EPRI FACTS Initiative (1988)
-Increase AC Power Transfer (GE and DOE Papers)
-The Need for Power semiconductors

Why we need transmission interconnection

-Pool power plants and load centers to minimize generation cost
-Important in a deregulated environment

Opportunities for FACTS

Increase power transfer capacity
SVC (Nebraska GE 1974, Minnesota Westinghouse 1975, Brazil Siemens 1985)
TCSC, UPFC AEP 1999

Trends
-Generation is not being built
-Power sales/purchases are being
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

System Architectures and Limitations

System Architecture
Radial, interconnected areas, complex network
Power Flow in an AC System
Power Flow in Parallel and Meshed Paths
Transmission Limitations
Steady-State (angular stability, thermal limits, voltage limits)
Stability Issues (transient, dynamic, voltage and SSR)
System Issues (Post contingency conditions, loop flows, short-circuit levels)
Power Flow and Dynamic Stability Considerations
Controllable Parameters
Basic FACTS Devices - Impact of Energy Storage
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

Power Flow Control on AC Systems

Radial
Parallel
Meshed

Power Flow in Parallel Paths

Power Flow in a Meshed Systems
What limits the loading capability?
Power Flow and Dynamic Considerations
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

Power Flow Control on AC Systems

50% Series Compensation

Relative Importance of Controllable Parameters

Control of X can provide current control
When angle is large X can provide power control
Injecting voltage in series and perpendicular to the current flow, can increase or
decrease
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

FACTS Applications and Implementations

Transmission Transfer Capacity Enhancement
Steady State
Issues
Voltage Limits
Thermal Limits
Angular Stability Limits
Loop Flows

Dynamic
Issues

Traditional Solutions
Breaking
Resistors Load
Shedding

Advanced Solutions
FACTS
Energy Storage

Fixed
Compensation
Line
Reconfiguration

Transmission
Link

Better
Protection

FACTS

Increased
Inertia
P. Ribeiro

Devices
June, 2002

Transient Stability
Damping Power Swings
Post-Contingency Voltage
Control
Voltage Stability
Subsynchronous Res.

Enhanced
Power Transfer
and Stability
SVC
STATCOM
TCSC, SSSC
UPFC

10

FACTS Devices
Shunt Connected
Static VAR Compensator (SVC)
Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM)
Static Synchronous Generator - SSG
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES)

Energy Storage

Combined Series and Series-Shunt Connected

Static Synchronous Series Controllers (SSSC)
Thyristor Controlled Phase-Shifting Transformer or
Phase Angle Regulator (PAR)
Interline Power Flow Controller (IPFC)
Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC)
Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC)
Relative Importance of Different Types of Controllers
Shunt, Shunt-Series
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

Energy Storage

11

Power Electronics - Semiconductor Devices

Diodes
Transistors
IGBT
Thyristors
SCR, GTO, MTO, ETO, GCT, IGCT, MCT

Devices
Diode (pn Junction)
Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)
Gate Turn-Off Thyristor (GTO) GE
MOS Turn-Off Thyristor (MTO) SPCO
Emitter Turn-Off Thyristor (ETO) Virginia Tech
Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor (IGCT) Mitsubishi, ABB
MOS-Controlled Thyristor (MCT) Victor Temple
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

12

Power Electronics - Semiconductor Devices

Principal Characteristics
Voltage and Current
Losses and Speed of Switching
Speed of Switching
Switching Losses
Gate-driver power and energy requirements
Parameter Trade-off
Power requirements for the gate
di/dt and dv/dt capability
turn-on and turn-off time
Uniformity
Quality of silicon wafers
IGBT has pushed out the conventional GTO as IGBTs ratings go up.
IGBTs - Low-switching losses, fast switching, current-limiting capability
GTOs - large gate-drive requirements, slow-switching, high-switching losses
IGBTs (higher forward voltage drop)
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

13

Power Electronics - Semiconductor Devices

Decision-Making Matrix
System

VSI

CSI

Commutation
Approach

Natural

Forced

Switching
Technology

Synchronous

PWM

Transition
Approach

Hard

Soft

Circuit
Topology

Two-Level

Multi-Level

Device
Type
P. Ribeiro

SCR
June, 2002

GTO

IGBT

MCT

MTO

14

AC Transmission Fundamentals (Series Compensation)

E1 / 1

E2 / 2

P&Q

X
Changes in X will increase or decrease real power flow for a fixed angle or change angle for a fixed power flow.
Alternatively, the reactive power flow will change with the change of X. Adjustments on the bus voltage have
little impact on the real power flow.
Vc
Vx

P1 = E1 . E2 . sin () / (X - Xc)
Vs

Power Transfer

Real Power Angle Curve

2

Vr

Xeff = X - Xc
Vx

Vc
P1( x delta V1)

Vseff
0

0
0

P. Ribeiro

Vseff = Vs + Vc

0.5

1.5

2
delta

Phase Angle

2.5

Vxo

Vs

Vr

3.5
3.14

June, 2002

15

AC Transmission Fundamentals (Voltage-Series and Shunt Comp.)

E1 / 1

P&Q

E2 / 2

I
X

P
Injected Voltage
E1
E1 - E2

I
E2
Integrated voltage series injection and bus voltage regulation (unified) will
directly increase or decrease real and reactive power flow.
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

16

AC Transmission Fundamentals (Stability Margin)

Improvement of Transient Stability With FACTS Compensation
Equal Area Criteria

Maximum Power Transfer

Q/V
with VAR compensation (ideal midpoint)

Amargin
A2
no compensation
A1

A1 = Acceleration Energy
1
2
3
A2 = Deceleration Energy
Therefore, FACTS compensation can increase

1 - prior to fault

crit

power transfer without reducing the stability margin

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

Phase Angle 2 - fault cleared

3 - equal area
3 >crit - loss of synchronism

17

Voltage Source Vs. Current Source Converters

CSC
Device Type
Device Characteristic
Symmetry

Adv
Dis

Thyristor
Self-Commutation
Symmetrical

Thyristor
Self-Commutation
Asymmetrical

Adv
Dis
+

Short-Circuit Current

Lower

Higher

Rate of Rise of Fault

Current
Losses

Limited by DC Reactor

Fast Rise (Due to capacitor discharge)

Higher

Lower

AC Capacitors
DC Capacitors

Required
Not Required

Not Required
Required

Valves dv/dt

Lower
(AC Capacitors)
More Complex
Depends on Current Flowing
through Energy Storage

Higher

Interface with AC System

Reactive Power Generation

Performance
Harmonics
P. Ribeiro

VSC

Less Complex
Independent of Energy Storage

+
+

June, 2002

18

Voltage Source Converters

ShuntCom
pensation
Systembus

SeriesCom
pensation

Systembus

Coupling
Transformer

Coupling
Transformer

I
X

I
Transformerleakage
inductance

Vo

Vo

DC-AC
Switching
Converter

DC-AC
Switching
Converter

Cs

P. Ribeiro

Transformerleakage
inductance

Cs

Vdc

Vdc
June, 2002

19

Voltage Source Converters

Basic 6-Pulse, 2-level, Voltage-Source Converter
idc

ea
eb
ec

ia

Ta1

Tb1

Db1

Tc1

ib

Dc1
+
Cs

ic
Ta2

P. Ribeiro

Da1

Da2

Tb2

Db2

June, 2002

Tc2

Dc2

Vdc

Vdc
2
Hypothetical
neutralpoint
Vdc
2

20

Voltage Source Converters

2, 3, 5-level, VSC Waveforms
vdc
2

+
eout

vdc
2

vdc
2

vdc

vdc
2

vdc

2 vdc
vdc

Neutral
(m
id-)point
vdc

e out

1
vdc
+v

Neutral
(m
id-)point

dc

e out

vdc

P. Ribeiro

-v

dc

vdc

June, 2002

21

Voltage Source Converters

Output voltage control of a two-level VSC

io

v= Vsin t

v= V 0

vo= Vo( )

t
*
t

= *

vo ()
vo ( )

voF ( )= V(+) sin t t

(v+ v) dc
vdcnominal
(v- v) dc
t

voF ( )= V(+) sin t

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

vdc
C

i dc

vdc = 1 i dc dt
C
i dc = f

22

FACTS Technology - Possible Benefits

Control of power flow as ordered. Increase the loading capability of lines to their
thermal capabilities, including short term and seasonal.
Increase the system security through raising the transient stability limit, limiting
short-circuit currents and overloads, managing cascading blackouts and
damping electromechanical oscillations of power systems and machines.
Provide secure tie lines connections to neighboring utilities and regions thereby
decreasing overall generation reserve requirements on both sides.
Provide greater flexibility in siting new generation.
Reduce reactive power flows, thus allowing the lines to carry more active power.
Reduce loop flows.
Increase utilization of lowest cost generation.
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

23

FACTS and HVDC: Complimentary Solutions

HVDC
Independent frequency and control
Lower line costs
Power control, voltage control,
stability control

FACTS
Power control, voltage control,
stability control
Installed Costs (millions of dollars)
Throughput MW

HVDC 2 Terminals

FACTS

2000 MW
500 MW
1000 MW
2000 MW

$ 40-50 M
$ 75-100M
$120-170M
$200-300M

$ 5-10 M
$ 10-20M
$ 20-30M
$ 30-50M

(*)Hingorani/Gyugyi
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

24

FACTS and HVDC: Complimentary Solutions

HVDC Projects: Applications
Submarine cable
Long distance overhead transmission
Underground Transmission
Connecting AC systems of different or incompatible frequencies
Large market potential for FACTS is within the ac system on a value-added basis, where:
The existing steady-state phase angle between bus nodes is reasonable
The cost of a FACTS device solution is lower than HVDC or other alternatives
The required FACTS controller capacity is less than 100% of the transmission throughput rating
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

25

FACTS Attributes for Different Controllers

FACTS Controller
Static Synchronous Compensator
(STATCOM without storage)
Static Synchronous Compensator
(STATCOM with storage, BESS, SMES,
large dc capacitor)
Static VAR Compensator (SVC, TCR,
TCS, TRS
Thyristor-Controlled Braking Resistor
(TCBR)
Static Synchronous Series Compensator
(SSSC without storage)
Static Synchronous Series Compensator
(SSSC with storage)
Thrystor-Controlled Series Capacitor
(TCSC, TSSC)
Thyristor-Controlled Series Reactor
(TCSR, TSSR)
Thyristor-Controlled Phase-Shifting
Transformer (TCPST or TCPR)
Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC)
Thyristor-Controlled Voltage Limiter
(TCVL)
Thyristor-Controlled Voltage Regulator
(TCVR)
Interline Power Flow Controller (IPFC)

P. Ribeiro

Control Attributes
Voltage control, VAR compensation, damping oscillations, voltage
stability
Voltage control, VAR compensation, damping oscillations, transient
and dynamic stability, voltage stability, AGC
Voltage control, VAR compensation, damping oscillations, transient
and dynamic stability, voltage stability
Damping oscillations, transient and dynamic stability
Current control, damping oscillations, transient and dynamic stability,
voltage stability, fault current limiting
Current control, damping oscillations, transient and dynamic stability,
voltage stability
Current control, damping oscillations, transient and dynamic stability,
voltage stability, fault current limiting
Current control, damping oscillations, transient and dynamic stability,
voltage stability, fault current limiting
Active power control, damping oscillations, transient and dynamic
stability, voltage stability
Active and reactive power control, voltage control, VAR
compensation, damping oscillations, transient and dynamic stability,
voltage stability, fault current limiting
Transient and dynamic voltage limit
Reactive power control, voltage control, damping oscillations,
transient and dynamic stability, voltage stability
Reactive power control, voltage control, damping oscillations,
transient and dynamic stability, voltage stability

June, 2002

26

FACTS Implementation - STATCOM

E1 / 1 I
P&Q

E2 / 2

Regulating Bus Voltage

Can Affect Power Flow Indirectly / Dynamically

P1 = E1 (E2 . sin ())/X

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

27

FACTS Implementation - TCSC

E1 / 1

E2 / 2

P&Q
X

Line Impedance Compensation

Can Control Power Flow Continuously

P1 = E1 (E2 . sin ()) / Xeff

Xeff = X- Xc

The alternative solutions need to be distributed; often series compensation has to be installed in several places along a line but many of the
other alternatives would put both voltage support and power flow control in the same location. This may not be useful. For instance, if
voltage support were needed at the midpoint of a line, an IPFC would not be very useful at that spot. TCSC for damping oscillations ...
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

28

FACTS Implementation - SSSC

E1 / 1

P&Q

E2 / 2

P1 = E1 (E2 . sin ()) / Xeff

Xeff = X - Vinj/I

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

29

FACTS Implementation - UPFC

E1 / 1

P&Q

E2 / 2

Regulating Bus Voltage and Injecting Voltage

In Series With the Line
Can Control Power Flow

P1 = E1 (E2 . sin ()) / Xeff

Q1 = E1(E2 - E2 . cos ()) / X
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

Xeff = X - Vinj / I
30

FACTS Implementation - UPFC

Series Transformer

Shunt Inverter

Series Inverter

Shunt
Transforme
r
Unified Power Flow Controller

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

31

FACTS Implementation - STATCOM + Energy Storage

E1 / 1

P&Q

E2 / 2

Regulating Bus Voltage Plus Energy Storage

Can Affect Power Flow Directly / Dynamically

Plus Energy Storage

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

32

FACTS Implementation - SSSC + Energy Storage

P&Q

E1 / 1

E2 / 2

X
Voltage Injection in Series Plus Energy Storage
Can Affect Power Flow Directly / Dynamically
and sustain operation under fault conditions

Plus Energy Storage

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

33

FACTS Implementation - UPFC + Energy Storage

E2 / 2
P&Q
E1 / 1
I
X

Plus Energy Storage

P. Ribeiro

Regulating Bus Voltage + Injected

Voltage + Energy Storage
Can Control Power Flow Continuously,
and Support Operation Under Severe
Fault Conditions (enhanced
performance)
June, 2002

34

FACTS Implementation - UPFC + Energy Storage

Series
Inverter
Shunt
Inverter

1000
F

1000
F
1000
F
1000
F

SMES Chopper
and Coil

Unified Power Flow Controller - SMES Interface

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

35

FACTS Implementation - UPFC + Energy Storage

MOV

UPFC
Grounding
SMES Chopper and Coil - Overvoltage Protection
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

36

FACTS Implementation - TCSC + STACOM + Energy Storage

$
Regulating Bus Voltage + Energy
Storage + Line Impedance Compensation
Can Control Power Flow Continuously,
and Support Operation Under Severe
Fault Conditions (enhanced
performance)

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

37

FACTS Implementation - IPFC

E3 / 3

E1 / 1

E2 / 2
P12 = E1 (E2 . sin (1- 2)) / X
P13 = E1 (E2 . sin (1- 3)) / X
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

38

FACTS Implementation - IPFC

Series Transformer, Line 1

Series Transformer, Line 2

Series Inverter #1

Series Inverter #2

Interline Power Flow Controller

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

39

Enhanced Power Transfer and Stability:

Technologies Perspective
Compensation
Devices

FACTS Devices
Energy Storage

Fast
SMES Real Power Injection
and Absorption

TSSC
SSSC
UPFC

TSSC
SSSC
UPFC

Electric Grid

Increased Power
Transfer

Additional
Stability Margin

Electric Grid
2

STATCOM

Fast
Reactive Power Injection
and Absorption
P. Ribeiro

STATCOM

Fast
Reactive Power Injection and
Absorption
June, 2002

Acceleration
Area

1.5

P ower T ransfer

Deceleration
Area
Stability
Margin

0.5

0.5

1.5

2.5

Phase Angle

40

FACTS + Energy Storage

The Role of Energy Storage: real

power compensation can increase
operating control and reduce capital
costs

STATCOM
Reactive Power Only
Operates in the vertical
axis only

MVA Reduction

The Combination or Real and

Reactive Power will typically
reduce the Rating of the Power
Electronics front end interface.
Real Power takes care of power
oscillation, whereas reactive
power controls voltage.

P. Ribeiro

P - Active Power
Q - Reactive Power

STATCOM + SMES
Real and Reactive Power
Operates anywhere within the
PQ Plane / Circle (4-Quadrant)
June, 2002

41

FACTS + Energy Storage - Location Sensitivity

Additional Power Transfer(MW)

Closer to generation

Closer to load centers

SMES Power (MW)

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

42

Enhanced Power Transfer and Stability:

Location and Configuration Type Sensitivity

System Frequency
(Hz)

No Compensation
60.8

59.2

time (sec)

2 STATCOMs

System Frequency
(Hz)

System Frequency
(Hz)

1 STATCOM + SMES

60.8

60.8

59.2

59.2

time (sec)

Voltage and Stability Control

(2 x 80 MVA Inverters)
P. Ribeiro

time (sec)

Enhanced Voltage and Stability Control

( 80 MVA Inverter + 100Mjs SMES)

June, 2002

43

FACTS For Optimizing Grid Investments

FACTS Devices Can Delay Transmission Lines Construction
By considering series compensation from the very beginning, power transmission between regions can be
planned with a minimum of transmission circuits, thus minimizing costs as well as environmental impact
from the start.

The Way to Proceed

Planners, investors and financiers should issue functional specifications for the transmission system
to qualified contractors, as opposed to the practice of issuing technical specifications, which are often
inflexible, and many times include older technologies and techniques) while inviting bids for a
transmission system.
Functional specifications could lay down the power capacity, distance, availability and reliability
requirements; and last but not least, the environmental conditions.
Manufacturers should be allowed to bid either a FACTS solution or a solution involving the
building of (a) new line(s) and/or generation; and the best option chosen.

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

44

Specifications
(Functional rather than Technical )
Transformer Connections
Higher-Pulse Operation
Higher-Level Operation
PWM Converter
Pay Attention to Interface Issues and Controls

Converter
Increase Pulse Number
Higher Level
Double the Number of Phase-Legs and Connect them in Parallel
Connect Converter Groups in Parallel
Use A Combination of several options listed to achieve required rating and performance
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

45

Cost Considerations
Technology
Reconductor lines
Fixed or Switched Shunt
Reactors
Fixed or Switched Shunt
Capacitors
Fixed or Switched Series
Capacitors
Static VAR Compensators
Thyristor Controlled Series
Compensation (TCSC)
STATCOM
STATCOM w/SMES

Transmission Line
Transfer Enhancement
Increase thermal capacity
Voltage reduction Light
Load Management
Voltage support and
stability
Power flow control,
Voltage support and
Stability
Voltage support and
stability
Power flow control,
Voltage support and
stability
Voltage support and
stability
Voltage support and
stability

Cost Range
$50K to $200K per
mile
$8-$12 kVAR
$8-$10 kVAR
$12-$16 kVAR

$20-$45 kVAR
$25-$50 kVAR

$80-$100 kVAR
$150-$300 kW

Unified Power Flow

Controller (UPFC)

Operating principle
Increases thermal limit for line

Procurement
Availability
Competitive

Compensates for capacitive varload

Compensates for inductive varload
Reduces inductive line
impedance

Competitive

Compensates for inductive

and/or capacitive var-load
Reduces or increases inductive
line impedance

Competitive

Compensates for inductive and

capacitive var-load
Compensates for inductive
and/or capacitive var-load plus
energy storage for active power
SVC and TCSC functions plus
phase angle control

Limited
competition
Limited

Competitive
Competitive

Limited
competition

Power flow control,

$150-$200 kW
Sole source
Voltage support, and
Stability
Unified Power Flow
Power flow control
$250-$350 kW
SVC and TCSC functions plus
Sole source
Controller (UPFC) w/SMES Voltage support and
voltage regulator, phase angle
Stability,
controller and energy storage
Shaded area indicates technologies that are either permanently connected or switched on or off with mechanical switches. (i.e. these are
not continuously controllable)
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

46

Cost Considerations

Hardware
Eng & Project Mgmt.
Installation
Civil Works
Commissioning
Insurance

Cost structure
The cost of a FACTS installation depends on many factors, such as power rating, type of device,
system voltage,
system requirements, environmental conditions, regulatory requirements etc. On top of this,
the variety of options available for optimum design renders it impossible to give a cost figure
for a FACTS installation.
It is strongly recommended that contact is taken with a manufacturer in order to get a first idea
of costs and
alternatives. The manufacturers should be able to give a budgetary price based on a brief
description of the
transmission system along with the problem(s) needing to be solved and the improvement(s)
P. Ribeironeeding to be
June, 2002
attained.

47

Technology & Cost Trends

$$$

additional cost savings possible

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

48

Concerns About FACTS

Cost
Losses
Reliability

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

49

Economics of Power Electronics

Sometimes a mix of conventional and FACTS systems has the lowest cost
Losses will increase with higher loading and FACTS equipment more lossy than conventional ones
Reliability and security issues - when system loaded beyond the limits of experience
100% Power
Demonstration
projects required
Electronics
Delta-P4
Delta-P2

Delta-P3

Delta-P1
100%
Conventional
P. Ribeiro

Stig Nilsons paper

Cost of System
June, 2002

50

Operation and Maintenance

Operation of FACTS in power systems is coordinated with operation of other
items in the same system, for smooth and optimum function of the system.
This is achieved in a natural way through the Central Power System Control,
with which the FACTS device(s) is (are) communicating via system SCADA. This
means that each FACTS device in the system can be operated from a central
control point in the grid, where the operator will have skilled human resources
available for the task. The FACTS device itself is normally unmanned, and there
is normally no need for local presence in conjunction with FACTS operation,
although the device itself may be located far out in the grid.
Maintenance is usually done in conjunction with regular system maintenance,
i.e. normally once a year. It will require a planned standstill of typically a couple
of days. Tasks normally to be done are cleaning of structures and porcelains,
exchanging of mechanical seals in pump motors, checking through of
capacitors, checking of control and protective settings, and similar. It can
normally be done by a crew of 2-3 people with engineers skill.
Joint World Bank / ABB Power Systems Paper
Improving the efficiency and quality of AC transmission systems

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

51

Impact of FACTS in interconnected networks

The benefits of power system interconnection are well established. It enables the
participating parties to share the benefits of large power systems, such as optimization of
power generation, utilization of differences in load profiles and pooling of reserve capacity.
From this follows not only technical and economical benefits, but also environmental, when
for example surplus of clean hydro resources from one region can help to replace polluting
fossil-fuelled generation in another.
For interconnections to serve their purpose, however, available transmission links must be
powerful enough to safely transmit the amounts of power intended. If this is not the case,
from a purely technical point of view it can always be remedied by building additional lines in
parallel with the existing, or by uprating the existing system(s) to a higher voltage. This,
however, is expensive, time-consuming, and calls for elaborate procedures for gaining the
necessary permits. Also, in many cases, environmental considerations, popular opinion or
other impediments will render the building of new lines as well as uprating to ultrahigh
system voltages impossible in
practice. This is where FACTS comes in.
Examples of successful implementation of FACTS for power system interconnection can be
found among others between the Nordic Countries, and between Canada and the United
States. In such cases, FACTS helps to enable mutually beneficial trade of electric energy
between the countries.
Other regions in the world where FACTS is emerging as a means for AC bulk power
interchange between regions can be found in South Asia as well as in Africa and Latin
P. Ribeiro
June,with
2002 SVC and/or SC transmitting bulk power
America. In fact, AC power corridors equipped
over distances of more than 1.000 km are a reality today.

52

Power Quality Issues

1 Background
2 The Need For An Integrated Perspective of PQ
3 Harmonics
4 Imbalance
5 Voltage Fluctuations
6 Voltage Sags
7 Standards, Limits, Diagnostics, and Recommendations
Flexibility, Compatibility, Probabilistic Nature, Alternative Indices
8 Combined effects
9 Power Quality Economics
10 Measurement Protocols
11 Probabilistic Approach
12 Modeling & Simulation
13 Advanced Techniques
(Wavelet, Fuzzy Logic, Neural Net, Genetic Algorithms)
14 Power Quality Programs
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

53

Compatibility: The Key Approach

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

54

Relative Trespass Level (RTL)

U k Uref k

RTL k max 0,
Uref k

Uk - measured or calculated harmonic voltage

Uref - harmonic voltage limit (standard or particular equipment)
k - harmonic order
8

6
RT Lk

RTLk

2
2

P. Ribeiro

4
2

2
0

8
k

10

12

14
13

June, 2002

0.05

0.1

Uk

.1

55

Harmonic Distortion Diagnostic Index Applying Fuzzy Logic

Comparisons
Magnitude $ Phase
Angle

Individual Harmonics (Vh)

Equipment Malfunction
Fuzzy - Color Code Criteria
No Problem

a
b
c

Below
NormalOver
Below
Normal
Heating
Normal

Equipment
Malfunction

Alternative Approach

Caution

Possible Problems

Very
Hot

Imminent Problems

1
Normal
Levels
0

P. Ribeiro

Caution Possible Severe Dangerous

Problems Distortions Levels
C
June, 2002

RTL

56

How To Interpret This?

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

57

How To Interpret This?

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

58

The Total Quality Environment

Power System Value Chain
Va
lue
Dim
en
sio
ns

Environmental
Maintainability
Availability
Safety
Efficiency
Reliability
Performance
Price
Power Quality

Energy

INPUTS

Generation

Delivery

Conversion

Power
Processing

Communication

OUTPUTS
Light / Motion

Central
Station

T&D

AC-AC
Supplies

Motion

SMES
Batteries

FACTS
SMES
PQ Parks

UPS

Appliances

Power Electronics Systems and Components

User

Utility
P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

59

Conclusions

P. Ribeiro

Future systems can be expected to operate at higher stress levels

FACTS could provide means to control and alleviate stress
Reliability of the existing systems minimize risks (but not risk-free)
Interaction between FACTS devices needs to be studied
Existing Projects - Met Expectations
More Demonstrations Needed
R&D needed on avoiding security problems (with and w/o FACTS)
Energy storage can significantly enhance FACTS controllers performance

June, 2002

60

Conclusions
A Balanced and Cautious Application
The acceptance of the new tools and technologies will take time, due to the
computational requirements and educational barriers.
The flexibility and adaptability of these new techniques indicate that they
will become part of the tools for solving power quality problems in this
increasingly complex electrical environment.
The implementation and use of these advanced techniques needs to be
done with much care and sensitivity. They should not replace the
engineering understanding of the electromagnetic nature of the problems
that need to be solved.

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

61

Questions and Open Discussions

P. Ribeiro

June, 2002

62