SVC

Static Var Compensator

 Introduction

• A common FACTS device used for Reactive power compensation.

IEEE Definition
• A shunt connected static VAR generator or absorber whose output is adjusted
to exchange capacitive or inductive current so as to maintain or control specific
parameters of electrical power system.
 Basic Operation
It generates reactive power by switching capacitor banks when the system
voltage is low (inductive loads).
This reactive power demand is supplied by the SVC – relieving the distributing
lines from delivering it. Thus, the voltage drop decreases and the voltage at the
load terminals improves.

It absorbs reactive power when the system voltage is high (capacitive loads).
SVC uses the reactors to consume the VARs from the system, thereby lowering
the system voltage.
 Purpose of use
SVCs are used in two main situations:
• Connected to the power system, to regulate the transmission voltage
("Transmission SVC")
• Connected near large industrial loads, to improve power quality ("Industrial
SVC")
 Types
1. Fixed Capacitor - Thyristor Controlled Reactor (FC-TCR)
2. Thyristor Switched Capacitor (TSC)
3. Thyristor Switched Capacitor - Thyristor Controlled Reactor (SC-TCR)
 Fixed Capacitor - Thyristor Controlled Reactor
(FC-TCR)

• Thyristor Controlled Reactor in parallel with a

Capacitor.
• Reactor current varied by Firing angle delay control.
• Capacitor generates fixed amount of Reactive power.
• TCR absorbs the excessive reactive power by varying
the firing angle.
• The reactors are connected
in delta for three-phase
applications.
 Thyristor Switched Capacitor (TSC)
• It consists of a power capacitor connected in series with a
bidirectional thyristor valve and a current limiting reactor.
• A discrete variation of the reactive power can be attained,
but not a continuous change similar to that of a TCR.
• By providing large number of small sections, the required
resolution of reactive power variation for a single step can
be achieved.
• The capacitor banks are
connected phase-to-phase,
with each section switched
by thyristors.
• Generally, the reaction time
for symmetrical operation
does not exceed 20 ms.
 Thyristor Switched Capacitor - Thyristor
Controlled Reactor (TSC-TCR)
• Compromises of TSC bank (3
TSCs) and a TCR connected in
parallel.
• Capacitors can be switched in
discrete steps, whereas continuous
control of reactive power done by
TCR.
• More flexible operation
• The control of the SVC is based on measuring the reactive component of load
current at the instant of voltage zero.
• This measured current is used to determine the firing angle so that the SVC absorbs
or injects the amount of reactive power required for compensation.
 Applications:
• Increase power transfer capability in long lines.
• Improve stability with fast acting voltage regulation.
• Dynamic system stability is improved due to increased damping provided.
• Control Steady-state and temporary over-voltages.
• Damp low frequency oscillations due to swing (rotor) mode.
• Damp sub synchronous frequency oscillations due to torsional modes.
 Advantages
• Near-instantaneous response to system • Eliminate harmonics and reduce voltage
voltage variations distortion with appropriate shunt filters.
• Faster and more reliable than dynamic • Load balancing on three-phase systems
compensation schemes (synchronous • Cheap
condensers). • Simple maintenance
• Load power factor is improved.
Consequently, line losses are reduced and
system efficiency is improved.
 Practical Implementation
• SVCs are primarily used to mitigate voltage fluctuations and resulting flicker
since the 1970s.
• Nowadays, large industries i.e. steel-making plants apply SVCs for flicker
compensation in electric arc furnace installations.
• Installed at suitable points in the electric power system to augment its
transfer capability by improving voltage stability, while keeping a smooth
voltage profile under different system conditions.
• Installed near high and rapidly
varying loads, such as electric
arc furnaces, welding plants and
other industries prone to
voltage fluctuations and flicker.
 Rating
Thyristor Switched Capacitor Banks TSC
 Case Study
• Static VAR compensator for improving voltage profiles and transmission
losses: Case study in Batam
• Batam is one of the industrial areas that continues to grow along with the
economic growth of the community. Many new industries in Batam are also
in need of electricity to operate.
• Therefore, a power flow analysis is required that can continue to supply
electrical power in a stable state without being followed by a significant
voltage drop.
• In this power flow simulation, obtained the bus who suffered under voltage
and passes the critical limit, i.e., 20 kV substation bus Tj. Uban. bus 20 kV
GI Tj. Uban decrease active power value calculated.
• The value of losses in the appendix A5, 20 kV substation bus Tj. Uban has a
value of active power by 30.7 kW and reactive power by 1380 KVAR.
• The Simulation result suggested installing an SVC on bus 20 kV GI Tj. Uban
with generated QC and QL values are 15,699.2 kVAR and 31,358.18 kVAR.
 Conclusion
After analyzing before and after the installation of SVC
1. The result of power flow after the addition of SVC succeeded in raising the
voltage on each bus with a significant increase in bus 20 kV GI Tj. Uban
from 18,157 kV to 19,289 kV.
2. SVC additions do not affect the direction of power flow but reduces losses
in the 20 kV substation bus Tj. Uban, with the value of the initial losses
amounting 30.7 kW and 1380 kVAR to 5.6 kW and 253.7 KVAR.
 Reference of Case Study
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335664146_Static_VAR_compen
sator_for_improving_voltage_profiles_and_transmission_losses_Case_study
_in_Batam