Neha Priyadarshni

(07413204911)

Flexible AC Transmission System

A flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) is a system composed
of static equipment used for the AC transmission of electrical energy. It is meant
to enhance controllability and increase power transfer capability of the network.
It is generally a power electronics-based system.
FACTS is defined by the IEEE as "a power electronic based system and other static
equipment that provide control of one or more AC transmission system
parameters to enhance controllability and increase power transfer capability."
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 nations economy. The electric power system is one of
the nations important infrastructures, and the infrastructure most closely tied
with the gross domestic product.
They increase the reliability of AC grids and reduce power delivery costs. They
improve transmission quality and efficiency of power transmission by supplying
inductive or reactive power to the grid. Siemens, as a leading manufacturer of all
kind of Flexible AC Transmission Systems is executing projects, and supplies
proven and highly reliable technology all over the world.
The only disadvantage of FACTS is that the amount of power that can be sent over
a transmission line is limited. The origins of the limits vary depending on the
length of the line. For a short line, the heating of conductors due to line losses
sets a "thermal" limit. If too much current is drawn, conductors may sag too close
to the ground, or conductors and equipment may be damaged by overheating.
For intermediate-length lines on the order of 100 km (60 miles), the limit is set by
the voltage drop in the line. For longer AC lines, system stability sets the limit to
the power that can be transferred. Approximately, the power flowing over an AC
Neha Priyadarshni
(07413204911)

line is proportional to the sine of the phase angle of the voltage at the receiving
and transmitting ends. Since this angle varies depending on system loading and
generation, it is undesirable for the angle to approach 90 degrees. Very
approximately, the allowable product of line length and maximum load is
proportional to the square of the system voltage. Series capacitors or phase-
shifting transformers are used on long lines to improve stability. High-voltage
direct current lines are restricted only by thermal and voltage drop limits, since
the phase angle is not material to their operation.
Example of FACTS Controllers for Enhancing Power System
Control are :
Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM)
-Controls voltage
Static Var Compensator (SVC)
-Controls voltage
Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC)
Convertible Series Compensator (CSC)
Inter-phase Power Flow Controller (IPFC)
Static Synchronous Series Controller (SSSC)

References : explore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp
http://www.ieee-isto.org/