Cost Effective FACTS Solution for Transmission Enhancement and its Economic Assessment

Abstract

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and power-flow controlling devices are of international interest today. In spite of the rising applications of FACTS devices, there are some factors that have been limiting the widespread application of this technology, prominent being the following: a) lack of a clear understanding of the options of devices and their configurations, and their suitability for the solution of different network problems, b) lack of information on systematic approaches towards economic assessment of FACTS projects for utilities and transmission entities, and c) lack of information on analysis and comparisons of short as well as long-term systemwide alternatives for utilities faced with transmission reinforcements. There has been a significant body of literature on technical analysis of FACTS devices but little attention has been devoted to assessing the economics of FACTS options. This paper presents the results of an application study conducted for a major utility in the U.S. in assessing the technical as well as economic/business feasibility of FACTS for transmission enhancement. Considering the example of the study performed, a framework is presented for collective as well as objective evaluation of FACTS along with other options in the short and in the long-term time frame. Index Terms-Dynamic reactive power compensation, FACTS applications, reactive power compensation, transient voltage stability.

Technical comparison of FACTS controllers in parallel connection

“…There has been a significant body of literature, as previously mentioned in the technical analysis of shunt-connected FACTS; in some papers both the SVC and the STATCOM have presented similar benefits, while in others the connection of STATCOM is slightly better. In terms of economic/business feasibility for transmission enhancement, however, the STATCOM has disadvantages (Ramanathan, Elizondo, Enslin, & Zhang, 2006). Similarly, the impact of the SVC and STATCOM on the performance of distance protection is unfavorable (Albasri, Sidhu, & Varma, 2007).…”

Coordinated static and dynamic reactive power planning against power system voltage stability related problems

“…Network reinforcements include new lines and transformers etc. But a number of studies done on the cost benefit analysis of investment on Reactive power control strategies and transmission re-enforcements over certain planning period do show that in most common cases reactive power control strategies look a viable and effective option [26], [27], [28]. The available reactive power control devices can be divided into two parts: namely conventional equipment and FACTS controller.…”

“…In other words, a mechanically switched based (conventional) solution is usually a "one and done" or "on or off" impact to the power system in the time frame needed for power system stability, whereas the power electronic based solution can provide a smooth, continuous, and/or repeatable option for power system control. A cost comparison of static and dynamic Var resources is presented in Table 2.7 [20], [28], [35], [36]. The final selection of a specific reactive power control devices should be based on a comprehensive technical and economic analysis.…”

“…All of the coordinated methods mentioned above use a sequential procedure to allocate static and dynamic VAR sources. In [28] a systematic approach in the determination of a cost-effective FACTS solution against transmission vulnerabilities considering transient voltage dip criteria is developed. The analysis in that work presents an example of economic assessment of FACTS investment against several possible short term and long term alternatives.…”

“…There are not many literatures available that give an exact quantification of cost for every device at various voltage levels. But a good idea can be obtained from the literatures [20], [28], and [36]. The output of the optimization routine very much depends on this modeling of the cost function.…”