Power Transmission and Distribution Solutions

2.4 Flexible AC Transmission Systems

2.4.2 Series Compensation

Series compensation is dened as insertion of reactive power elements into transmission lines. The most common application is the xed series capacitor (FSC). Thyristor-valve controlled systems (TCSC) and thyristor-valve protected systems (TPSC) may also be installed. Fixed Series Capacitor (FSC) The simplest and most cost-effective type of series compensation is provided by FSCs. FSCs comprise the actual capacitor banks, and for protection purposes, parallel arresters (metaloxide varistors, MOVs), spark gaps and a bypass switch for isolation purposes (g. 2.4-7a). Fixed series compensation provides the following benets: Increase in transmission capacity Reduction in transmission angle Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC) Reactive power compensation by means of TCSCs can be adapted to a wide range of operating conditions. It is also possible to control the current and thus the load ow in parallel transmission lines, which simultaneously improves system stability. Another important application for TCSC is power oscillation damping. Additional benets of thyristor-controlled series compensation: Damping of power oscillations (POD) Load ow control Increase in system stability Thyristor-Protected Series Capacitor (TPSC)
Fig. 2.4-6: View of a TCSC system

When high power thyristors are used, there is no need to install conventional spark gaps or surge arresters. Due to the very short cooling-down times of the special thyristor valves, TPSCs can be quickly returned to service after a line fault, allowing the transmission lines to be utilized to their maximum capacity. TPSCs are the rst choice whenever transmission lines must be returned to maximum carrying capacity as quickly as possible after a failure (g. 2.4-7c).

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Series compensation a) FSC b) TCSC c) TPSC

220 < kV < 800 200 < MVAr < 800 2 5

52 < kV < 800 50 < MVAr < 800 2 3 4

220 < kV < 800 100 < MVAr < 800 2 3 4

L im

1 Switchgear 2 Capacitor 3 Reactor 4 Thyristor valve(s) 5 Arrester 6 Circuit-breaker

Fig. 2.4-7a: Fixed series compensation (FSC) connected to the network Fig. 2.4-7b: Thyristor-controlled series capacitor (TCSC) connected to the network Fig. 2.4-7c: Thyristor-protected series capacitor (TPSC) connected to the network

Siemens Energy Sector Power Engineering Guide Edition 7.0

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