SVC

To provide cheaper electricity, present power system is deregulated, under which power
is produced by separate generation, transmission and distribution system. Electric
power demand is growing day by day. Thus it is necessary to rely on utilization of
existing generating unit and to load the existing transmission line to their thermal limits
and to maintain stability also. It is also necessary to operate power system with
minimum loss in the transmission line.

Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices play an important role in controlling

power and enhancing the usable capacity of existing lines. FACTS devices use power
electronic component to enhance controllability and increase power transfer capability.
FACTS controller includes Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), Thyristor
Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC), Static Series Synchronous Compensator (SSSC),
Static VAR Compensator (SVC), which are capable of controlling the network condition
in a very fast manner to improve voltage stability and power quality.

When the system is unable to meet the reactive power demand, voltage instability
occurs in the power system. Reactive power imbalance occur when the system is
faulted, heavily loaded and voltage fluctuation is there. Reactive power balance can be
done by using FACTS devices in the transmission line, which can inject or absorb
reactive power in the system as per requirement.

Static VAR Compensation (SVC)

Static VAR Compensators (SVCs) are devices that can quickly and reliably control line
voltages. An SVC will typically regulate and control the voltage to the required set point
under normal steady state and contingency conditions and thereby provide dynamic,
fast response reactive power following system contingencies (e.g. network short
circuits, line and generator disconnections). In addition, an SVC can also increase
transfer capability, reduce losses, mitigate active power oscillations and prevent over
voltages at loss of load.

The SVC is customized to fit each customer with their specific needs. The SVC consists
of a number of fixed or switched branches, of which atleast one branch includes
thyristors, and the combination of branches can be varied a lot depending on
requirements. An SVC typically includes a combination of at least two of the given items
below (e.g. TCR/FC or TCR/TSC/FC)
Thyristor controlled reactor (TCR)

Thyristor switched capacitor (TSC)

Harmonic filter (FC)

Mechanically switched capacitor bank (MSC) or reactor bank (MSR)

Most common topologies for SVCs are: TCR/FC or TCR/TSC/FC. The main advantage
for using a topology with TSC branches is to reduce the losses (by reducing the filter
size). Mechanically switched banks can be included both on HV and LV side of SVC
transformer to increase the total reactive power support outside the dynamic range.

SVC acts as a shunt connected variable reactance, which either injects or absorbs
reactive power in order to regulate the voltage magnitude at the point of connection.
It provides instantaneous reactive power and voltage support. The SVC has two
regions: Capacitive and Inductive. In capacitive mode the SVC injects reactive power
and in inductive mode it absorbs reactive power.

The SVC is modelled as a variable susceptance and its value depends up on the
requirement at the particular node. SVC or the Static VAR compensators are the oldest
in the FACTS controllers’ family used for the improvement of the overall system by the
improvement of voltage regulation and power flow in the system. The other benefits of
SVC include dynamic voltage problems can be solved along with reduction in system
losses and also the control feature of the controller.

Significance of SVC controller -

A. Increased performance rate in steady state.
B. Decrease in system losses.
C. System power flow control.
D. Transient voltage stability control.