🔹 1.

The System Without FACTS Devices

In a power system without FACTS devices, we usually observe the

following:

• Limited control over power flow

• Voltage instability, especially during peak load or faults
• Poor dynamic response to disturbances
• Transmission line congestion
• Inefficient utilization of network capacity

This leads to increased chances of:

• Voltage collapse
• Reduced power transfer capability
• Lower system reliability and security
• Frequent load shedding or blackouts in extreme cases

2. Why Do We Connect FACTS Devices? (Purpose and Benefits)

FACTS devices are connected to the power system to provide dynamic

control and improve performance. Their main purposes include:

Purpose Description
Voltage Control Maintain voltage levels within limits under
varying loads
Power Flow Control Control the direction and magnitude of
active/reactive power
Stability Improvement Improve both steady-state and transient
stability
Reduce Congestion Optimize power flow and reduce overload
on specific lines
Enhance Transmission Increase the loading capability of lines
Capacity
Improve Security Quickly respond to disturbances and prevent
cascading failures
🔹 3. Difference Between System With and Without FACTS Devices

Feature Without FACTS With FACTS

Voltage Control Limited and slow Fast and dynamic
Power Flow Control Rigid and fixed Flexible and
controllable
System Stability Less stable under More stable with
disturbances improved damping
Transmission Often underutilized Optimized and increased
Capacity
Reactive Power Static (like capacitor Dynamic (SVC,
Compensation banks) STATCOM)
Response to Faults Delayed Fast and adaptive
Loadability Lower Higher
System Losses Higher due to Reduced due to
inefficient flow optimized operation

🔷 Definition of FACTS

FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) are power electronic-based

systems used in AC power transmission networks to enhance
controllability, stability, and power transfer capability.
They allow dynamic control of voltage, impedance, and phase angle in
the power system.

🔷 Classification of FACTS Devices

FACTS devices are typically classified based on their connection and

function:

➤ Based on Connection:

1. Shunt Devices
2. Series Devices
3. Combined Shunt-Series Devices
🔷 Types of FACTS Devices with Definitions & Purpose

Type Category Definition Purpose

SVC (Static Shunt Uses thyristor- Voltage
VAR controlled regulation,
Compensator) reactors/capacitors to improve stability
inject/absorb reactive
power
STATCOM Shunt Voltage-source Faster voltage
(Static converter injects or support,
Synchronous absorbs reactive power dynamic
Compensator) compensation
TCSC (Thyristor Series Series capacitor with Control line
Controlled Series thyristor-controlled impedance and
Capacitor) reactor power flow
SSC (Static Series Voltage-source Inject voltage to
Synchronous converter in series with control power
Series line flow
Compensator)
UPFC (Unified Combined Combination of Control voltage,
Power Flow STATCOM and SSC impedance, and
Controller) phase angle
IPFC (Interline Combined Controls power flow Balance and
Power Flow between multiple lines optimize power
Controller) sharing

Here's a classification of FACTS devices:

Voltage Control Devices:
*Static Var Compensator (SVC): SVCs regulate the voltage magnitude and
reactive power flow in the power system by adjusting the reactive power
injection.
*Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM): Similar to SVCs,
STATCOMs provide reactive power compensation and voltage regulation
using power electronic converters.
*Static Voltage Regulator (SVR): SVRs adjust the tap positions of
transformers to regulate voltage levels in the power grid.
Power Flow Control Devices:
Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC): TCSCs control the
impedance of transmission lines by varying the reactance, there by
influencing power flow.
Thyristor-Controlled Phase Shifter (TCPS): TCPS devices adjust the
phase angle between different parts of the power grid to control power flow.
Combined Voltage and Power Flow Control Devices:
Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC): UPFCs integrate the
functionalities of SVCs and TCSCs to independently control both voltage
and impedance, providing enhanced flexibility in power flow control.
Dynamic Stability Enhancement Devices:
Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC): SSSCs provide damping
of power oscillations and improve transient stability by injecting controllable
voltage in series with the transmission line.
Static Synchronous Compensator-Static Synchronous Series
Compensator (STATCOM-SSSC): Combining the functionalities of
STATCOMs and SSSCs, these devices offer both voltage support and
stability enhancement.
Harmonic Filtering Devices:
Passive Harmonic Filters: These devices consist of passive components
like capacitors and inductors to filter out harmonics from the power system.
Active Harmonic Filters: Active filters use power electronic converters to
actively eliminate harmonic distortions from the power grid.
Others:
Interline Power Flow Controller (IPFC): IPFCs control power flow by
injecting controllable voltage between multiple transmission lines, providing
more flexible power routing options.
Each of these FACTS devices serves specific purposes in enhancing the
efficiency, reliability, and stability of AC power transmission systems,
contributing to the overall optimization of power grid operations.
SVC (Static VAR Compensator)
Definition
A shunt-connected device using thyristor-controlled reactors (TCR) and
capacitors (TSC) to provide fast-acting reactive power compensation.
Configuration
Consists of a combination of fixed capacitors or TSCs and TCRs, connected
in parallel to the system.
Best Design
Use of a combination of TSCs and TCRs with proper control logic to
quickly switch components based on voltage requirements.
Best Operation
Ideal for voltage regulation at transmission level substations; operates well
under dynamic load variations.
STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator)
Definition
A voltage-source converter (VSC)-based shunt device that injects or
absorbs reactive power by generating a controllable AC voltage.
Configuration
Uses IGBT-based VSC with a DC link (capacitor-based) connected in shunt
to the transmission line.
Best Design
Modular multilevel converter (MMC) with high-speed DSP control and
efficient heat dissipation.
Best Operation
Performs best in weak grids or areas with high load variability; superior to
SVC in low voltage conditions.
TCSC (Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitor)
Definition
A series device that uses thyristor-controlled reactors in parallel with series
capacitors to vary line impedance.
Configuration
Capacitor in series with transmission line, paralleled by a TCR controlled
through thyristors.
Best Design
Use of fast thyristor switching and protective circuits to prevent resonance
or overvoltage.
Best Operation
Used to control power flow in meshed transmission networks and improve
transient stability.
SSSC (Static Synchronous Series Compensator)
Definition
A VSC-based series device that injects a voltage in series with the line to
control power flow.
Configuration
Series injection transformer connected to a VSC, which is powered by a DC
source or capacitor.
Best Design
High bandwidth control with real-time line compensation and integrated
protection units.
Best Operation
Ideal for systems with varying generation/demand to maintain consistent
power flow and reduce congestion.
UPFC (Unified Power Flow Controller)
Definition
A combination of STATCOM and SSSC that controls voltage, impedance,
and phase angle simultaneously.
Configuration
Series and shunt VSCs connected via a common DC link; one VSC injects
series voltage, the other provides reactive power.
Best Design
Coordinated control of both VSCs with real-time grid condition monitoring;
modular design for flexibility.
Best Operation
Best suited for critical transmission corridors needing full control over
power flow and voltage profile.
IPFC (Interline Power Flow Controller)
Definition
A multi-line version of UPFC that allows control of power flow among
several lines connected to a substation.
Configuration
Multiple VSCs connected in series with each line and linked by a common
DC link.

Best Design
Distributed control architecture for VSCs with centralized coordination for
load balancing.
Best Operation
Optimally used in substations with multiple outgoing feeders where power
balancing is required.