HVDC & FACTS

Due to the increasing amount of variable generation from new renewable sources, increasing demand and changing demographics it is becoming steadily more difficult for Transmission System Operators and Distribution companies to maintain and improve the quality of their power systems. In the past synchronous condensers were once the primary means of transmission level compensation and voltage regulation. Today advanced power electronic systems falling under the definition of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) have replaced the older primary moving plant. Specifically equipment such as Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) and Static Var Compensator (SVC) provide the necessary functions with faster operating times, additional operating features, are more reliable and can be provided at lower capital and life time operating costs than the older technology. Providing these systems creates a tremendous improvement in the overall stability and performance of the transmission and distribution system.