POWER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT USING FACTS DEVICES

B.TECH MINOR PROJECT REPORT

BY

AAYUSHI GUPTA-14117901

AAKASHDEEP KURRE-14117001

AVINASH SAH-14117015

AYESHA SWALEHA QUERAISHI-14117016

BETHALA SALOME-14117019

KHEMLAL SAHU-14117037

VIKAS KUMAR MISHRA-14117083

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, RAIPUR
DECEMBER, 2017

1
POWER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT USING FACTS DEVICES

A Minor Project Report

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the

award of degree of

Bachelor of Technology
in
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, RAIPUR

DECEMBER, 2017

2
 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the project titled “Power Quality Improvement Using Facts
Devices” submitted to the Department of Electrical Engineering, National Institute of
Technology, Raipur is an authentic record of the work carried under the
guidance of Dr. (Mrs.) S. Gupta, Electrical Engineering Department.

The matter presented in this report has not been submitted for the award of
any other degree elsewhere.

Signature of the Students

AAYUSHI GUPTA-14117901

AAKASHDEEP KURRE-14117001

AVINASH SAH-14117015

AYEHSA SWALEHA QUERAISHI-14117016

BETHALA SALOME-14117019

KHEMLAL SAHU-14117037

VIKAS KUMAR MISHRA-14117083

Signature of the Supervisor

Dr. (Mrs) S. Gupta

Professor

Head of the Department

Electrical Engineering
National Institute of Technology, Raipur

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We feel immense pleasure in expressing our gratitude towards our guide “Dr. (Mrs) S.
Gupta”, Professor NIT Raipur whose valuable guidance, encouragement and critical
evaluation of our observations and research work led us to carry out this project work.

We are very much thankful to the staff of Electrical Department for their kind
hearted co-operation without which our efforts would have been in vain. We
are deeply indebted and owe a lot to the people who have given their valuable
support for making this project a success.

At last but not the least, we are very thankful to Dr. S. Ghosh, Head of
Department, Electrical Engineering for giving us the opportunity to work on this
project to enhance our skills.

Aayushi Gupta-14117901

Aakashdeep Kurre-14117001

Avinash Sah-14117015

Ayesha Swaleha Queraishi-14117016

Bethala Salome-14117019

Khemlal Sahu-14117037

Vikas Kumar Mishra-14117083

4
LIST OF TABLES

S No. Table Page No.

1. Classification of Sag 18

2. Difference between STATCOM and SVC 27

3. System Parameter 29

4. Comparative Study 35

5
LIST OF FIGURES

S. No. Figure Page No.

1. Voltage Signal with Long Interruption 14

2. Voltage Sag 15

3. Voltage Swell 16
4. Voltage Fluctuation 16

5. Classification of FACTS device 22

6. Reactive power generation by voltage source 26

switching converter

7. Structure of SVC 27

8. Simulation Model 31

9. Voltage (1st) and Reactive power (2nd) (yellow) 32

across STATCOM before fault, System voltage
(blue).

10. Voltage and Reactive power across STATCOM 32

(yellow) and SVC (magenta) before fault, System
voltage (blue).

11. Voltage and Reactive power (yellow) across 33

STATCOM after fault, System voltage (blue).

12. Voltage and Reactive power across STATCOM 33

(yellow) and SVC (magenta) after fault, System
voltage (blue).

6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 9
1.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................10
1.2 Literature review ..................................................................................... 10
1.3 Research motivation ...............................................................................11
1.4 Thesis Objectives ................................................................................... 11
1.5 Organization of thesis ............................................................................. 12

CHAPTER 2
POWER QUALITY PROBLEMS ....................................................... 13
2.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................14
2.2 Power Quality ........................................................................................... 14
2.3 Power Quality Problems......................................................................... 14
2.4 Voltage Sag Analysis ............................................................................. 19
2.5 Chapter Summary ................................................................................... 21

CHAPTER 3
STUDY OF STATCOM AND SVC FOR VOLTAGE SAG
MITIGATION............................................................................... 22
3.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 23
3.2 FACTS devices.......................................................................................... 24
3.3 STATCOM (STATIC SYNCHRONOUS COMPENSATOR)................. 26
3.4 SVC (STATIC VAR COMPENSATOR)................................................... 28
3.5 Difference between STATCOM and SVC.................................................. 29

CHAPTER 4
SIMULATION RESULTSAND DISCUSSIONS ...............................30

4.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 31
4.2 Working of the model................................................................................. 33
4.3 Simulation Results....................................................................................... 34
4.4 Comparative Study...................................................................................... 36
4.5 Summary..................................................................................................... 37

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSIONS............................................................................. 38
5.1 Conclusions................................................................................................. 39
5.2 Future Scope................................................................................................ 40
5.3 Reference..................................................................................................... 42

7
 ABBREVIATIONS USED

TCSC Thyristor Controlled Series

Compensation
TCVL Thyristor Controlled Voltage Limiter
SVC Static VAR compensator
TSC Thyristor switched capacitor
TCR Thyristor switched reactor
TCBR Thyristor Control Breaking Resistor
TCPS Thyristor Control Phase Shifter
SSSC Static Synchronous Series Compensator
IPC Interphase Power Controller
STATCOM Static Synchronous Compensator
BESS Battery energy storage system
SMES Superconducting Magnetic Energy
Storage
UPFC unified power flow controller
IPFC Interline Power Flow Controller
PCC Point of Common Coupling
ASD Adjustable Speed Drive
MOSFET Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor
IGBT Insulated Gate Bipolar thyristor

8
 ABSTRACT

The electrical energy is one of the frequently used forms of energy. It can be
easily converted to other forms of energy. With the advancement of technology,
the dependence on the electrical energy has been increased greatly. Computer
and telecommunication networks, railway network, banking, post office, life
support system are few application that just cannot function without electricity. At
the same time these applications demand qualitative energy.

However, the quality of power supplied is affected by various internal and external
factors of the power system. The presence of harmonics, voltage and frequency
variations deteriorate the performance of the system. In this project the mitigation
of frequently occurring power quality problem- voltage variation is discussed.

The voltage sag/dip is the most frequently occurring problem. There are many
methods to overcome this problem. Among them, the use of FACT devices is
an efficient one. This project presents an overview of the FACT devices like-
SVC, STATCOM, in mitigating voltage sag. Each one of the above device is
studied and analyzed and also the control strategies to control these devices
are presented in this project. The proposed control strategies are simulated in
MATLAB SIMULINK environment and the results are presented

9
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

1.3 RESEARCH MOTIVATION

1.4 THESIS OBJECTIVES

1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THESIS

10
1.1 INTRODUCTION

Electrical energy is the most efficient and popular form of energy and the modern
society is heavily dependent on the electric supply. The life cannot be imagined
without the supply of electricity. At the same time the quality and continuity of the
electric power supplied is also very important for the efficient functioning of the end
user equipment. Most of the commercial and industrial loads demand high quality
uninterrupted power. Thus maintaining the qualitative power is of utmost important.

The quality of the power is affected if there is any deviation in the voltage and
frequency values at which the power is being supplied. This affects the performance
and life time of the end user equipment. Whereas, the continuity of the power supplied
is affected by the faults which occur in the power system. So to maintain the continuity
of the power being supplied, the faults should be cleared at a faster rate and for this
the power system switchgear should be designed to operate without any time lag.

The power quality is affected by many problems which occur in transmission system
and distribution system. Some of them are like- harmonics, transients, sudden
switching operations, voltage fluctuations, frequency variations etc. These problems
are also responsible in deteriorating the consumer appliances. In order to enhance
the behaviour of the power system, these all problems should be eliminated.

With the recent advancements in power electronic devices, there are many
possibilities to reduce these problems in the power system. One of them is the use of
Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices. The connection of these devices
in the power system helps in improving the power quality and reliability. In this project
the mitigation of voltage sag using FACTS devices is studied and analysed.

1.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

The quality of power delivered to the end user is very important as the performance of the
consumer’s equipment is heavily dependent on it. But the power quality is affected by
various factors like voltage and frequency variations, presence of harmonics, faults in the
power network etc. Among them the voltage variations (sag) is one of the most frequently
occurring problem. There are many methods to mitigate the voltage sag and among them
the best way is to connect a FACT device at the point of interest field.

Line commutating thyristor device-based solid-state reactive power compensators were

developed in the 1970s. These are used either as thyristor switched capacitors or thyristor
controlled reactor (TCRs) or a combination thereof with passive filters eliminating
dominant harmonics generated from electronic switching phenomenon. These are
basically VAR impedance-type controllers, commonly known as static VAR compensator
(SVC), where susceptance of the TCR is controlled by varying the firing angle. The
technology is well matured, but its operational flexibility and versatile applications are
limited. With the advent of voltage-source converter (VSC), technology built upon self-
commutating controllable solid-state switches viz. gate turn-off thyristor (GTO), insulated
gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), injection-enhanced gate transistor (IEGT), integrated gate
commutated thyristor (IGCT) or gate commutated thyristor (GCT) and so on, it has
ushered a new family of FACTS controllers such as static synchronous compensators
(STATCOM) and unified power flow controller (UPFC) have been developed.

11
The self-commutating VSC, called as DC-to-AC converter, is the backbone of these controllers
being employed to regulate reactive current by generation and absorption of controllable
reactive power with various solid-state switching techniques. The major attributes of
STATCOM are quick response time, less space requirement, optimum voltage platform, higher
operational flexibility and excellent dynamic characteristics under various operating conditions.
These controllers are also known as Static Compensator (STATCOM), advanced static VAR
compensator (ASVC), advanced static VAR generator (ASVG), Static Condenser (STATCON),
static VAR generator (SVG), synchronous solid-state VAR compensator (SSVC), VSC-based
SVC or self-commutated SVC or static synchronous compensator (SSC )

1.3 RESEARCH MOTIVATION

The operation of most of the loads depend greatly on the voltage level at which the power is
being supplied to them. But in the power system there may be deviations in the voltage and
frequency levels due to sudden switching operations, faults etc. In order to maintain the
voltage at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) at a standard level there is a need to connect
some device at the PCC. The FACT device suits best for this purpose. In this project a study
on different FACT devices for the mitigation of voltage unbalance is carried out.

1.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are: To investigate the techniques to mitigate voltage
sag. To study and analyse the behaviour of FACT devices in reducing the voltage
unbalance which will help in selecting a device that best suits the application

1.5 ORGANIZATION OF PROJECT

The whole thesis is divided into five chapters including introduction and each chapter
is organized in the following way-

Chapter 2 deals with the Power Quality Problems and their effect on the consumer
appliances. It focuses on the causes of major power quality problems like voltage sag
and swell. It also presents mitigation techniques to overcome these problems.

Chapter 3 deals with the FACT devices that are helpful in mitigating the voltage sag. It
presents the basic working principle of these devices along with the control strategy. It
also presents a comparison between the devices available for this purpose.

Chapter 4 presents the MATLAB simulation results of the proposed devices. This chapter
discusses how the selected device works practically in mitigating the voltage unbalance

Chapter 5 presents the conclusions of the work done along with the future scope
followed by references.

12
 CHAPTER 2

POWER QUALITY PROBLEMS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 POWER QUALITY

2.3 POWER QUALITY PROBLEMS

2.4 VOLTAGE SAG ANALYSIS

2.5 CHAPTER SUMMARY

13
2.1 INTRODUCTION

The electric power network has undergone several modifications from the time of its invention.
The modern electric power network has many challenges that should be met in order to deliver
qualitative power in a reliable manner. There are many factors both internal and external that
affect the quality and quantity of power that is being delivered. This chapter discusses the
different power quality problems, their causes and consequences.

2.2 POWER QUALITY

The quality of electric power delivered is characterized by two factors namely-

“continuity” of supply and the “quality” of voltage. As indicated by IEEE standard 1100,
Power Quality is characterized as-

“The ability of a system or an equipment to function satisfactorily in its

electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic
disturbances to anything in that environment “

2.3 POWER QUALITY PROBLEMS

There are many reasons by which the power quality is affected. The occurrence of
such problems in the power system network is almost indispensable. Therefore, to
maintain the quality of power, care must be taken that suitable devices are kept in
operation to prevent the consequences of these problems. Here an overview of
different power quality problems with their causes and consequences is presented.

2.3.1 Interruptions:

It is the failure in the continuity of supply for a period of time. Here the supply signal (voltage or
current) may be close to zero. This is defined by IEC (International Electro technical
Committee) as “lower than 1% of the declared value” and by the IEEE (IEEE Std.
1159:1995) as “lower than 10%”. Based on the time period of the interruption, these
are classified into two types [8]-

A. Short Interruption: If the duration for which the interruption occurs is of few
milliseconds then it is called as short interruption.

Causes:

The causes of these interruptions are-

Opening of an Automatic Re-closure

Lightening stroke or Insulation Flash over

B. Long Interruptions: If the duration for which the interruption occur is large ranging
from few milliseconds to several seconds then it is noticed as long interruption. The
voltage signal during this type of interruption is shown in Fig. 2.1.

Causes:

The causes of these interruptions are-Faults

in power system network Human error

14
Improper functioning of protective equipment

Consequences:

This type of interruption leads to the stoppage of power completely for a period of
time until the fault is cleared.

Fig.1 Voltage Signal with Long Interruption

2.3.2 Waveform Distortion:

The power system network tries to generate and transmit sinusoidal voltage and
current signals. But the sinusoidal nature is not maintained and distortions occur in
the signal. The cause of waveform distortions are [8]-

•DC Offset: The DC voltage which is present in the signal is known as DC offset. Due to
the presence of DC offset, the signal shifts by certain level from its actual reference level.

•Harmonics: These are voltage and current signals at frequencies which are integral
multiples of the fundamental frequency. These are caused due to the presence of
non-linear loads in the power system network.

•Notching: This is a periodic disturbance caused by the transfer of current from one
phase to another during the commutation of a power electronic device.

•Noise: This is caused by the presence of unwanted signals. Noise is caused due to
interference with communication networks.

2.3.3 Frequency Variations:

The electric power network is designed to operate at a specified value (50 Hz) of
frequency. The frequency of the framework is identified with the rotational rate of the
generators in the system. The frequency variations are caused if there is any
imbalance in the supply and demand. Large variations in the frequency are caused
due to the failure of a generator or sudden switching of large loads.

2.3.4 Transients:

The transients are the momentary changes in voltage and current signals in the power
system over a short period of time. These transients are categorized into two types-
impulsive, oscillatory. The impulsive transients are unidirectional whereas the
oscillatory transients have swings with rapid change of polarity.

Causes:

15
There are many causes due to which transients are produced in the power system. They are-

Arcing between the contacts of the switches sudden switching

of loads Poor or loose connections lightening strokes

Consequences:

Electronics devices are affected and show wrong results Motors run with higher
temperature Failure of ballasts in the fluorescent lights
Reduce the efficiency and lifetime of equipment

2.3.5 Voltage Sag:

The voltage sag is defined as the dip in the voltage level by 10% to 90% for a period
of half cycle or more. The voltage signal with sag in shown in Fig. 2.2.

Causes:

The causes of voltage sag are-

Starting of an electric motor, which draws more current, Faults in the power
system Sudden increase in the load connected to the system

Consequences:

Failure of contactors and switchgear

Malfunction of Adjustable Speed Drives (ASD’s)

Fig.2 Voltage Sag

2.3.6 Voltage Swell:

Voltage swell is defined as the rise in the voltage beyond the normal value by 10% to 80%
for a period of half cycle or more. The voltage signal with swell in shown in Fig.2.3.

16
 Fig.3 Voltage Swell

Causes:

De-energization of large load

Energization of a capacitor bank, abrupt interruption of
current Change in ground reference on ungrounded phases

Consequences:

Electronic parts get damaged due to over voltage insulation

breakdown Overheating

2.3.7 Voltage Unbalance:

The unbalance in the voltage is defined as the situation where the magnitudes and
phase angles between the voltage signals of different phases are not equal.

Causes:

Presence of large single-phase

loads Faults arising in the system

Consequences:

Presence of harmonics
Reduced efficiency of the system Increased power
losses Reduce the life time of the equipment

Fig.4 Voltage Fluctuation

17
2.3.8 Voltage Fluctuation:

These are a series of a random voltage changes that exist within the specified voltage
ranges. Fig. 2.4 shows the voltage fluctuations that occur in a power system.

Causes:

Frequency start/ stop of electric ballasts Oscillating

loads Electric arc furnaces

Consequences:

Flickering of lights
Unsteadiness in the visuals

Among the different power quality problems discussed, the under voltage or voltage sag
is the prominent one as it occurs often and affects the power system network largely.
Therefore, in this project main focus is given on voltage sag and its mitigation techniques.

2.4 VOLTAGE SAG ANALYSIS

2.4.1 Definition: According to standard IEEE 1346-1998, Voltage Sag is defined as-

“A decrease in rms voltage or current at the power frequency for durations of 0.5 cycle to 1 min.

Typical values are 0.1 to 0.9 pu.”

2.4.2 Characteristics of Voltage Sag:

The voltage sag is characterized by its magnitude, duration and phase angle jump.
Each of them is explained below in detail.

A. Magnitude of Sag:

A sag magnitude is defined as the minimum voltage remaining during the event. The magnitude
can be defined in a number of ways. The most common approach is to use the rms voltage. The
other alternatives are to use fundamental rms voltage or peak voltage. Thus, sag is considered as
the residual or remaining voltage during the event. In case of three-phase system where the dip in
voltage is not same in all phases, the phase with lowest dip is used to characterize sag.

The magnitude of voltage sag at a certain point depend on-

Type of fault
Fault impedance
System Configuration
Distance of the fault from the point of consideration

18
B. Duration of Sag:

Table-I Classification of Sag

The duration of sag is the time for which the voltage is below a threshold value. It is determined by
the fault clearing time. In a three phase system all the three rms voltages should be considered to
calculate the duration of the sag. A sag starts when one of the phase rms voltage is less than the
threshold and continues until all the three phase voltages are recovered above the threshold value.
Based on the duration of sag, the voltage sags are classified as shown in Table-I.

C. Phase-Angle Jump:

The short circuits in power system not only cause a dip in voltage, but also change the
phase angle of the system. The change of phase angle is called as “Phase-Angle Jump”.
It causes the shift in zero crossing of the instantaneous voltage. This phenomenon affects
the power electronic converters which use phase angle information for their firing.

D. Point-on-Wave:

To perfectly characterize sag, the point-on-wave where the sag starts and where it ends
should be found with high precession. The point-on-wave is nothing but the phase angle
at which the sag occurs. These values are generally expressed in radians or degrees.

2.4.3 Voltage Sag Mitigation Analysis:

To prevent the occurrence of voltage sag preventive measures can be taken at

different stages. They are-

A. During the Production of Equipment:

The basic and economical solution is to strengthen the sensitive devices to the power
quality problems. This prevents the damage of these devices to the abnormalities in
the power system. The device manufacturers use a specific curve like ITIC
(Information Technology Industry Council) curve during manufacturing. This curve
specifies the withstanding capability of sensitive devices like computers, PLC’s,
ASD’s during voltage imbalance occurring in the system. Based on this curve the
design is improved so that the damage of these devices is prevented.

19
B. Analysis of the Causes:

The second basic way to prevent the occurrence of voltage sag is to analyse the
causes that lead to voltage imbalance. Improving the poor wiring and weak grounding
systems can prevent the damage of the sensitive equipment. The medium which
causes power quality problems should be avoided to the extent possible.

C. Power Conditioning Equipment:

The use of power conditioning equipment is the most common solution to protect the
power system network from these problems. Most of the power conditioning equipment is
voltage monitoring devices as most of the faults that occur in power system are voltage
imbalance faults. These devices may be connected at the source side or in the
transmission network, or at the load end. In general, these devices are connected at the
point of common coupling (PCC) where the load is connected to the supply. This is done
as the cost of the power conditioning device increases from load end to source side.

There are different power conditioning devices like-

i. Line-voltage regulators: These are special transformers connected in series

with the transmission line designed to regulate the voltage in accordance with
the changes in the system. Examples of line voltage regulators are- tap
changing transformers, CVT’s, buck-boost regulators etc.

ii. M-G Sets (Motor-generator Sets): These M-G sets are installed at the load
side in order to supply power to critical loads during the interruptions from the
power supply company. In this maintenance and safety are main concern.

iii. Magnetic Synthesizers: These employ resonant circuits made of inductors and
capacitors. They are used to filter the harmonics from affecting the loads. But
these are bulky and noisy.

iv. SVC (Static VAR Compensators): These also use passive elements like inductors and
capacitors but use of solid state switches to control the voltage injection increases their
efficiency. The switches are controlled such that correct magnitude of voltage is injected at
correct point of time so that voltage fluctuations are reduced. But these are expensive.

v. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies): It provides a constant voltage during

both voltage sags and outages from a battery or super conducting material.
The main parts of an UPS are battery, rectifier and an inverter.

vi. SMES (Superconducting magnetic energy storage): SMES stores electrical

energy within a superconducting magnet. It provides a large amount of power
(750 KVA to 500 MVA) within a short time.

vii. Other Power Devices: All the above mentioned conventional devices are not suitable
to mitigate voltage disturbances effectively. Therefore, there is a need to use better
devices. These are power electronic equipment aimed to help in mitigating power
quality problems. These are of many types like- STATCOM, UPFC, UPQC etc. In this
project a study of some of these devices is carried out for improving the power quality.

20
2.5 SUMMARY:

This chapter presents the various problems that affect the quality of power in a system. It
explained the causes and consequences of the problem. A focus is made on Voltage Sag,
as it is the most frequently occurring problem. The characteristics and also the mitigation
techniques are discussed to give an overview on the voltage sag. Among the various
mitigation techniques that are available, the use of power devices mainly consisting of
FACTS devices is the most effective and economical solution

21
 CHAPTER 3

STUDY OF STATCOM AND SVC FOR VOLTAGE SAG

MITIGATION

3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 FACTS DEVICES
3.3 STATCOM (STATIC SYNCHRONOUS COMPENSATOR)

3.4 SVC (STATIC VAR COMPENSATOR)

3.5 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STATCOM AND SVC

22
3.1 INTRODUCTION

The voltage sag is a major problem that the power system network is facing now-a-days.
This is a severe problem and affects the functioning of the equipment. Therefore, this
problem should be mitigated in order to maintain the efficiency of the power network. The
use of custom power devices solves this problem. This chapter presents the basic
classification of FACTS DEVICES and working principle of different devices like
STATCOM, STATIC VAR COMPENSATORS (SVC) used to mitigate the voltage sag.

FACTS

1st Generation 2nd Generation

Series Controller Series Controller

TCSC TCVL SSSC IPC

Shunt Controller Shunt Controller

SVC STATCOM

TSC TCR TCBR BESS SMES

Series-Shunt Controller Series-Shunt Controller

TCPS UPFC

Series-Series Controller

IPFC

Fig.5 Classification of FACTS device

23
3.2 FACTS DEVICES

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) is defined by IEEE as "a power electronic based
system and other static equipment that provide control of one or more AC transmission system
parameters to enhance controllability and increase power transfer capability."

First Generation –

First generation FACTS devices are based on thyristor switch control and passive
devices including inductors and capacitors.

Second Generation-

With the advent of semiconductor devices and switches like MOSFET, IGBT etc. and
voltage source converter, second generation of FACTS devices came into existence.

The choice of FACTS device depends on the requirement of the power system network.
Usually, shunt compensating devices are used for voltage stability. On the other hand,
series compensating devices are used for the objective of reduction of power losses. If the
requirement of power system is to attain voltage stability and power loss reduction
simultaneously, then a combination of both of the techniques can be used.

3.2.1 Types of FACTS controllers

Series controllers. The series controller could be a variable impedance, such as
capacitor, reactor, or a power electronics based variable source of main frequency, sub
synchronous and harmonic frequencies (or a combination) to serve the desired load.

Shunt controllers. In principle, all shunt controllers inject line voltage causes a
variable current flow and hence represents injection of current into the line. As long as
the injected current is in phase quadrature with the line voltage, the shunt controller
only supplies or consumes reactive power.
Combined series-series controllers. This could be a combination of separate series controllers,
which are controlled in a coordinated manner, in a multiline transmission system. Or it could be a
unified controller in which series controllers provide independent series reactive compensation for
each line but also transfer real power among the lines via the proper link.

Combined series-shunt controllers. This could be a combination of separate shunt and

series controllers, which are controlled in a coordinated manner, or a UPFC with series and
shunt elements.. Combined series-shunt controllers include UPFC, TCPST, and TCPAR.

24
3.2.2 FACTS controllers
STATCOM. STATCOM is a static synchronous generator operated as a shunt-
connected static VAR compensator whose capacitive or inductive output current can
be controlled independent of the ac system voltage.
SVC. SVC is 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 the
electrical power system (typically bus voltage). Ratings range from 60 to 600 MVAR. SVC can
be considered as a “first generation” FACTS controller and uses thyristor controllers.

TCR. TCR is a shunt-connected thyristor-controlled inductor whose effective reactance is

varied in a continuous manner by partial-conduction control of the thyristor valve. TCR
has been used as one of the economical alternatives of FACTS controllers.

TSC. TSC is a shunt-connected thyristor-switched capacitor whose effective reactance is

varied in a stepwise manner by full- or zero-conduction operation of the thyristor valve.

TSR. TSR is a shunt-connected thyristor-switched inductor whose effective reactance is

varied in a stepwise manner by full- or zero-conduction operation of the thyristor valve.
SSSC. SSSC is a static synchronous generator operated without an external electric energy
source as a series compensator whose output voltage is in quadrature with, and controllable
independently of, the line current for the purpose of increasing or decreasing the overall
reactive voltage drop across the line and thereby controlling the transmitted electric power .

TCSC. TCSC is a capacitive reactance compensator, which consists of a series capacitor

bank shunted by a thyristor-controlled reactor in order to provide a smoothly variable
series capacitive reactance. The description of the first TCSC installation is given in.

TSSC. TSSC is a capacitive reactance compensator, which consists of a series

capacitor bank shunted by a thyristor-switched reactor to provide a stepwise control of
series capacitive reactance.
TCSR. TCSR is an inductive reactance compensator, which consists of a series reactor shunted by
a thyristor-controlled reactor to provide a smoothly variable series inductive reactance.

TSSR. TSSR is an inductive reactance compensator, which consists of a series reactor shunted by
a thyristor-controlled reactor to provide a stepwise control of series inductive reactance.

UPFC. UPFC is a combination of STATCOM and a SSSC which are coupled via a common dc
link to allow bidirectional flow of real power between the series output terminals of the SSSC
and the shunt output terminals of the STATCOM and are controlled to provide concurrent real
and reactive series line compensation without an external electric energy source.

IPC. IPC is a series-connected controller of active and reactive power consisting, in each
phase of inductive and capacitive branches subjected to separately phase-shifted
voltages. The active and reactive power can be set independently by adjusting the phase
shifts and/or the branch impedances using mechanical or electronic switches.

25
IPFC. IPFC is a combination of two or more SSSCs that are coupled via a common dc link to
facilitate bi-directional flow of real power between the ac terminals of the SSSCs and are
controlled to provide independent reactive compensation for the adjustment of real power flow
in each line.
3.3 STATCOM (STATIC SYNCHRONOUS COMPENSATOR)

3.3.1 Basic Structure

Statcom consists of following components

Voltage Source Converter

(VSC) Charged capacitor
Coupling Transformer

3.3.2 Control Strategy

The basic voltage-source converter scheme for reactive power generation in STATCOM is
shown schematically, in Figure 5.29. From a dc input voltage source, provided by the charged
capacitor C, the converter produces a set of controllable three-phase output voltages with the
frequency of the ac power system. Each output voltage is in phase with, and coupled to the
corresponding ac system voltage via a relatively small (0.1-0.15 p.u.) tie reactance (which in
practice is provided by the per phase leakage inductance of the coupling transformer). By
varying the amplitude of the output voltages produced, the reactive power exchange between
the converter and the ac system can be controlled That is, if the amplitude of the output
voltage is increased above that of the ac system voltage, then the current flows through the tie
reactance from the converter to the ac system, and the converter generates reactive
(capacitive) power for the ac system. If the amplitude of the output voltage is decreased below
that of the ac system, then the reactive current flows from the ac system to the converter, and
the converter absorbs reactive (inductive) power. If the amplitude of the output voltage is equal
to that of the ac system voltage, the reactive power exchange is zero.

Fig.6 Reactive power generation by voltage source switching converter

26
 3.3.3 Applications of STATCOM:
The applications of the STATCOM are-

Stabilize the voltage of the power grid Reduce the harmonics

Increase the transmission capacity Reactive power compensation

Power Factor correction

3.4 SVC (STATIC VAR COMPENSATOR)

3.4.1 BASIC STRUCTURE
Typically, an SVC comprises one or more banks of fixed or switched shunt
capacitors or reactors, of which at least one bank is switched by thyristors. Elements
which may be used to make an SVC typically include:

Thyristor controlled reactor (TCR), where the reactor may be air- or

iron-cored Thyristor switched capacitor (TSC)
Harmonic filter(s)
Mechanically switched capacitors or reactors (switched by a circuit breaker)

Fig.7 Structure of SVC

3.4.2 Control Strategy

In transmission applications, the SVC is used to regulate the grid voltage. The system comprises of
a controller to control the firing angle for antiparallel thyristors .The controller has two inputs, one of
which is the voltage of bus to which it is connected and the other is the reference input which is the
desired nominal voltage .Whenever the bus voltage rises below reference system voltage SVC will
use thyristor controlled reactors to consume VARs from the system, lowering the system voltage.
Similarly when the bus voltage rises above reference voltage conditions, the capacitor banks are
automatically switched in, thus providing a higher system voltage. The controller controls the
amount of VARs injected or consumed by changing the firing of thyristors depending upon the
difference between measured system voltage and reference

27
voltage. Hence, by connecting the thyristor-controlled reactor, which is continuously variable,
along with a capacitor bank, the net result is continuously variable leading or lagging power.

3.5 Difference between STATCOM and SVC

BASIS STATCOM SVC

Response Faster Slower

Cost High Low

Capacitive current drops

Characteristics Constant current characteristics
linearly

Interfaced with power sources like Cannot be interfaced with

Interfacing
battery, fuel cell or SMES power sources.

Larger since there are

Small in size since no bulky
Size reactors ,capacitors, valve,
reactor is used
thyristors etc.

Operation like controllable voltage Operation like dynamically

Operation
source controlled reactance

Table 2 Difference between STATCOM and SVC

28
 CHAPTER 4

SIMULATION RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.2 WORKING OF THE MODEL

4.3 SIMULATION RESULTS

4.4 COMPARATIVE STUDY

4.5 SUMMARY

29
4.1 INTRODUCTION

There are many techniques to mitigate the voltage sag. Among them the best way is to use a
device at the point of interest to regulate the voltage. The devices used for this purpose are
already discussed along with their control techniques in the before chapter. These control
strategies are simulated in MATLAB SIMULINK. This chapter presents the simulation results
and makes a comparative study between these devices based on their performance.

4.1.1 SIMULATION MODEL USING STATCOM AND SVC:

The system parameters used for simulation are given in Table-3

MVA
Phase-to-phase Base voltage Frequency
Three phase Rating
voltage (Vrms) - (Vrms ph-ph) – (Hz) –
voltage source (VA)-
500e3*1.078 500e3 60
3000e6
Nominal phase- Nominal Active
to-phase voltage Configuration – frequency fn power P
100MW Load Vn (Vrms)- Y (grounded) (Hz)- (W)-
500e3 60 100e6
Nominal phase- Nominal Active
to-phase voltage Configuration – frequency fn power P
Fault Impedance Vn (Vrms) – Y (grounded) (Hz)- (W)-
500e3 60 300e6
Nominal phase- Nominal Active
to-phase voltage Configuration – frequency fn power P
300MW Load Vn (Vrms) – Y (grounded) (Hz)- (W)-
500e3 60 300e6
Breaker Snubber
Switching
resistance Ron resistance Rs
Times(s)-
Fault Breaker (Ohm)- (Ohm)-
o.2+10/60
0.001 1e6
DC link
Nominal voltage
total
and frequency DC link nominal Converter rating
equivalent
STATCOM [Vrms L-L, voltage (V)- (VA)-
capacitance
fn(Hz)]- 40000 100e6
(F)-
500e3, 60
750e-6/2
Table 3 System Parameter

30
 The model consists of three-phase voltage source block with an internal R-L
impedance. The phase to phase and base voltages of the source can be specified by
entering the required value. The source internal resistance and inductance can be
specified either directly by entering R and L values or indirectly by specifying the
source inductive short-circuit level and X/R ratio.
The voltage source is connected by a 3-phase distributed parameter transmission line
with lumped losses. The values of R, L, C and length of the line could be specified
accordingly. The transmission line consists of 2, Three-Phase V-I Measurement blocks
near the ends. These blocks are used to measure instantaneous three-phase voltages
and currents in a circuit.

A fault impedance (three phase series RL load) is connected to the transmission

line through a fault breaker. The active and reactive powers absorbed by this load are
proportional to the square of the applied voltage.

The Three-Phase Breaker block implements a three-phase circuit breaker where the
opening and closing times can be controlled from an internal control timer. Since this
block happens to be in series with an inductive circuit snubbers are used. The fault
impedance can be connected or disconnected through the circuit breaker.
The STATCOM (Phasor Type) block models an IGBT-based STATCOM (fixed DC
voltage). The STATCOM is located at the midpoint of the line having variable MVA rating,
DC link nominal voltage, voltage and current regulator gains, equivalent capacitance and
equivalent impedance (on AC side). This impedance represents the transformer leakage
reactance and the phase reactor of the IGBT Bridge of actual STATCOM.

SVC is connected to a power grid similar to the power grid on which STATCOM is
connected. The SVC (Phasor Type) block is a phasor model which is used with the
phasor simulation method, activated with the POWERGUI block. The variables in this
block are Average time delay due to thyristor valves firing and voltage regulator gain.
The POWERGUI block is used to simulate any Simulink model containing Simscape Power Systems

Specialized Technology blocks. It stores the equivalent Simulink circuit that represents the state-
space equations of the model. The phasor POWERGUI block gives phasor solution.

31
Fig.8 Simulation Model
4.2 WORKING OF THE MODEL:

Consider a 3 phase voltage sources to be 500-kV equivalents (respectively 3000 MVA and
2500 MVA) connected by a transmission line. Program the fault breaker by selecting the
parameters "Switching of phase A, B and C" and verify that the breaker is programmed to
operate at t=0.2 s for a duration of 10 cycles. The fault impedance connected through the fault
breaker has been programmed to produce a 20% voltage sag at bus B2. V1 represents the
system voltage to be controlled and V2 is the voltage generated by the VSC.

If V2 is lower than V1, Q is flowing from V1 to V2 (device is absorbing reactive

power). On the reverse, if V2 is higher than V1, Q is flowing from V2 to V1 (device is
generating reactive power).

Thus, during this time period the voltage at the load bus i.e., at the point of coupling (PCC)
drops. Here the voltages are taken in per unit values and the voltage sag can be observed in
Fig.11 (blue) as the voltage decreases from its reference (rated) value of 1 p.u. To
compensate this dip in voltage the compensator generates the reactive VARs to be injected to
the system. SVC responds slowly to the change in voltage as compared to STATCOM.

32
4.3 SIMULATION RESULTS

Fig.9 Voltage (1st) and Reactive power (2nd) (yellow) across STATCOM
before fault. System voltage (blue)

Fig.10 Voltage and Reactive power across STATCOM (yellow) and SVC
(magenta) before fault. System voltage (blue)

33
 Fig.11 Voltage and Reactive power (yellow) across STATCOM after fault. System
voltage (blue)

Fig.12 Voltage and Reactive power across STATCOM (yellow) and SVC (magenta)
after fault System voltage (blue)

34
4.4 COMPARATIVE STUDY

STATCOM SVC

A STATCOM works as a An SVC works as a dynamically

controllable voltage source. controllable reactance connected
in parallel.
A STATCOM offers the possibility
of feeding the grid with the
maximum available reactive For an SVC there is a quadratic
current even at low voltage levels, dependence of the reactive power on
this is possible because in every the voltage at the PCC which
equilibrium condition the injected means that to inject the same
reactive power varies linearly with reactive power it is necessary to
the voltage at the Point of install an SVC with a nominal
Common Coupling (PCC). capacity higher than that of a
STATCOM.

In an SVC the maximum transient

capacitive current is limited by the
The maximum capacitive current size of the capacitor and by the
that can be injected is limited by the magnitude of the AC voltage.
maximum current capacity of the
semiconductors used and is
independent of the voltage level at
the PCC.

There is no storage for active

power in an SVC and hence no
possible interchange of active
The DC-link capacitor in power with the grid is possible.
STATCOM serves as storage for
active power. Therefore in certain
situations, depending on the SVC have slower dynamic reaction
capacitor size, it is possible to than STATCOM.
regulate the interchange of active
power with the grid also.

STATCOM devices are capable

of much faster dynamic reaction
(1/4-1 cycle) than an SVC.

Table 4. Comparison between STATCOM and SVC

35
4.5 SUMMARY:

This chapter presents the MATLAB SIMULINK simulation results -STATCOM and
SVC. Each device performance in mitigating voltage sag is studied and analysed. A
comparative study is also made based on the voltage dip & reactive power injected
into the system by both the devices. From the comparative study it can inferred that
STATCOM is efficient in mitigating the voltage sag as compared to SVC.

36
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS

5.1 CONCLUSIONS
5.2 FUTURE SCOPE
5.3 REFERENCES

37
5.1 CONCLUSIONS:
The demand for electric power is increasing at an exponential rate and at the same time the
quality of power delivered became the most prominent issue in the power sector. Thus, to
maintain the quality of power the problems affecting the power quality should be treated
efficiently. Among the different power quality problems, voltage sag is one of the major one
affecting the performance of the end user appliances. In this project the methods to mitigate
the voltage sag are presented. From this project, the following conclusions are made-

1. Among the different methods to mitigate the voltage sag, the use of FACT
devices is the best method
2. The FACT device like –STATCOM and SVC are helpful in overcoming the
voltage unbalance problems in power system
3. SVC and STATCOM are shunt connected devices to compensate the voltage
imbalance
4. According to the change in system voltage, the reactive volt-amperes are
injected to or absorbed by the devices
5. These devices are connected to the power network at the point of interest to
protect the critical loads
6. These devices also have other advantages like harmonic reduction, power
factor correction
7. STATCOM is found to be better than SVC for removing the effect of voltage
sag due to following reasons

I. Faster system dynamic response

II. Lesser decrease in voltage at PCC during fault
III. Larger reactive volt-amperes injected into system to restore the normal
voltage level
IV. Smaller settling time after the clearance of fault

38
5.2 FUTURE SCOPE:
Research and development is a non-stopping process. For any research work carried
out, there is always a possibility for better chances of improvement and lot many
avenues opened for further work. As a result of the investigations carried out in the
area of power system stability improvement with FACTS controllers, following aspects
are identified for further scope of research work.

1. The present work can be extended to power system with generalized TCSC, UPFC
and Interline Power Flow Controller (IPFC).

2. It would be desirable to extend the proposed approach for larger and more realistic systems.

3. Stability issues for a distribution network with different types of distributed generation
sources and FACTS devices could be examined and FACTS-based controllers could be
designed for improving the stability in presence of different types of distributed generations.

4. Different strategies could be tested and implemented in an attempt to achieve a

less time consuming process and gain better understanding of optimization
techniques applicability to various power system phenomena.

39
5.3 REFERENCES

1. N.G. Hingorani and L. Gyugyi, “Understanding FACTS: Concepts and

Technology of Flexible AC Transmission Systems” New York: IEEE Press, 20
2. H. SAADAT, H.: “Power System Analysis”, Tata McGraw-Hill, 2002.
3. K. R. Padiyar, 2002, “Power System Dynamic Stability and Control,” Second
Edition, BS Publications, Hyderabad
4. Amit Garg, “Modeling and Simulation of Static VAR Compensator for
Improvement of Voltage Stability in Power System” ISSN: 2249-071X, Vol.2
5. Chattopadhyay, Surajit; Mitra, Madhuchhanda; Sengupta, Samarjit
(2011). Electric Power Quality. Springer Science + Business. ISBN
978-94-007-0634-7.
6. M. Noroozian, L.Angquist, M. Ghandhari, G. Andersson, 1997, “Use of UPFC
for Optimal Power Flow Control,” IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery,
12(4), pp. 1629-1634.
7. N.G. Hingorani, “FACTS- Flexible AC Transmission System”, Proceedings of
5th International Conference on AC and DC Power
Transmission-IEEE Conference Publication 345, 1991, pp. 1-
7.
8. N.G. Hingorani, “Flexible AC Transmission”, IEEE Spectrum, April 1993, pp.
40-45.
9. N.G. Hingorani, “High Power Electronics and Flexible AC
Transmission System” IEEE Power Engineering Review, July 1988

40