Facts Flexible AC Transmission Systems

The term FACTS controllers describes power electronic-based circuit configurations applied in ac transmission systems. Rising energy costs and a greater sensitivity to environmental impact of new transmission lines necessitated the search and application of new controllers to minimize losses and maximize the stable power-transmission capacity of existing lines. Flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) technology is the application of a variety of new power-electronic controllers for both active and reactive power on selected lines. FACTS controllers are becoming an integral component of modern power-transmission systems.

The course is intended to create an awareness of control issues, which must be addressed in designing or selecting a specific controller. Control-design techniques are illustrated by case studies. The coordination of multiple FACTS controllers of both similar and dissimilar kinds are also presented and illustrated through examples.

Course Objectives

The course is focused primarily on thyristor-based FACTS controllers-namely, the SVC and TCSC, because these controllers are currently in use and likely to be selected for new applications. The course emphasizes operating principles and control techniques for these two FACTS controllers so that different objectives can be achieved, such as enhancement of power-system stability, augmentation of system damping, alleviation of sub-synchronous resonance (SSR), prevention of voltage instability, and improvement of high-voltage direct-current (HVDC)-terminal performance.

Who Should Attend?

Engineers from system utilities who are directly involved in the design, specification, purchasing, maintenance or day to day operation of system. Design, marketing and project management personnel should also benefit greatly from the seminar.

Course Outline

1. Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Electrical Transmission Networks
1.3 Conventional Control Mechanisms
1.4 Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS)
1.5 Emerging Transmission Networks

2. Reactive-Power Control in Electrical Power Transmission Systems
2.1 Reactive Power
2.2 Uncompensated Transmission Lines

3. Principles of Conventional Reactive-Power Compensators
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Synchronous Condensers
3.3 The Thyristor-Controlled Reactor (TCR)
3.4 The Thyristor-Controlled Transformer (TCT)
3.5 The Fixed-Capacitor-Thyristor-Controlled Reactor (FC-TCR)
3.6 The Mechanically Switched Capacitor-Thyristor-Controlled Reactor (MSC-TCR)
3.7 The Thyristor-Switched Capacitor (TSC)
3.8 The Thyristor-Switched Capacitor-Thyristor-Controlled Reactor (TSC-TCR)
3.9 A Comparison of Different SVCs

4. Concepts of SVC Voltage Control
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Voltage Control
4.3 Effect of Network Resonances on the Controller Response
4.4 The 2nd Harmonic Interaction between the SVC And AC Network
4.5 Application of the SVC to Series-Compensated AC Systems
4.6 3rd Harmonic Distortion

5. SVC Applications
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Increase in Steady-State Power-Transfer Capacity
5.3 Enhancement of Transient Stability
5.4 Augmentation of Power-System Damping
5.5 Prevention of Voltage Instability
5.6 Improvement of HVDC Link Performance

6. The Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC)
6.1 Series Compensation
6.2 The TCSC Controller
6.3 Operation of the TCSC
6.4 The TSSC
6.5 Analysis of the TCSC
6.6 Capability Characteristics
6.7 Harmonic Performance
6.8 Losses

7. TCSC Applications
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Open-Loop Control
7.3 Closed-Loop Control
7.4 Improvement of the System-Stability Limit
7.5 Enhancement of System Damping
7.6 Sub-synchronous Resonance (SSR) Mitigation
7.7 Voltage-Collapse Prevention
7.8 TCSC Installations

8. Emerging FACTS Controllers
8.1 Introduction
8.2 The STATCOM
8.3 The SSSC
8.4 The UPFC
8.5 Comparative Evaluation of Different FACTS Controllers
8.6 Future Direction of FACTS Technology

Course Methodology

A variety of methodologies will be used during the course that includes:

• (30%) Based on Case Studies
• (30%) Techniques
• (30%) Role Play
• (10%) Concepts
• Pre-test and Post-test
• Variety of Learning Methods
• Lectures
• Case Studies and Self Questionaires
• Group Work
• Discussion
• Presentation

Course Fees

This rate includes participant’s manual, Hand-Outs, buffet lunch, coffee/tea on arrival, morning & afternoon of each day.

Course Timings

Daily Course Timings
08:00 - 08:20       Morning Coffee / Tea
08:20 - 10:00       First Session
10:00 - 10:20       Coffee / Tea / Snacks
10:20 - 12:20       Second Session
12:20 - 13:30       Lunch Break & Prayer Break
13:30 - 15:00       Last Session