Southern States Power System Solutions - STATCOM

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STATCOM -
Static Synchronous Compensator

Fastest solutions available for Dynamic Voltage/VAR compensation

Active harmonic filtering capability

Smallest footprint per kVAr

Newest, most reliable technology available

Both the utility and the business end of the power grid are increasingly employing power electronic energy conversion to increase efficiency. The desire to “decarbonize” power generation has led to the ongoing shift towards utility-scale and distributed renewable energy resources (wind, solar, storage, etc.) coupled to the grid through power electronics. The result is more harmonics and a weaker system. Businesses pursuing increased efficiency and productivity are increasingly relying on harmonic producing power electronic converters and loads that vary energy consumption rapidly.

The result of a weakening grid and an increase in harmonic producing, rapidly varying loads is a reduction in power quality and consequentially more negative impacts on the system and the components, such as transformers, motors, and capacitors.

TECHNOLOGY

1. Control and Protection
Equipped with a friendly HMI interface, our STATCOM offers ease of operation and multifunctional control settings. The system features remote real-time monitoring capabilities.

3. Power Unit
This is the key element of STATCOM. Our design offers high voltage with extremely low harmonic distortion using a low switching frequency that reduces power losses. We offer Wire bond or Press Pack IGBTs.

2. Cooling system
Air/water or water/water cooling options are available. Our systems are designed with water pump redundancy for greater reliability.

4. Reactor
Air core reactors offer high power density solutions. For some ratings and topologies, we can offer iron core, indoor reactors contained within the STATCOM for a smaller footprint.

Topology

The cascaded H-bridge, multi-level technology enables the STATCOM to generate an almost perfect sinusoidal waveform with high efficiency by reducing the IGBT switching frequency and the need for harmonic filters. Two inverter topologies are available: Wye connection for applications where only balanced compensation is required (more economical). And Delta connection to provide balanced and unbalanced correction as required.

Wye Connection

Delta Connection

CAPABILITIES

Power: 3-300 MVAR
Voltage: 2.4-69 kV direct connected
Type: Indoor / Outdoor
Connection: Wye / Delta
Cooling: Air-Water / Water-water
IGBT Technology: Wire bond / Press Pack

Operating principle

STATCOM is the most advanced VAR compensation technology available. The system is connected in parallel to the grid, generating a voltage waveform synchronized with the grid. Controlling the output voltage magnitude and frequency, we can inject a rapidly changing current to follow the load reactive power requirements.

APplications

Utilities and Renewable Generation

Power factor control and voltage regulation are a must for renewable generation to comply with grid code requirements.

  • Mitigate harmonics

  • Meet voltage & power factor requirements

  • Stabilize grid voltage

  • Reduce transmission losses

  • Balance three-phase power

  • Improve transient stability

  • Increase line capacity

  • Damp power oscillations

Steel Industry

A steady voltage and low harmonic content increases productivity

  • Reduce electrode consumption

  • Increase refractory life

  • Garner more favorable tariffs

  • Reduce outages

Heavy Industry

Load evolution demands faster and more efficient solutions to avoid downtime and increase equipment life. 

  • Energy cost reduction

  • Reduce outages

  • Increase productivity

  • Comply with grid code requirements

Case Study

Summary
Industry: Steel
Load: 2 x 120 MVAs EAF steel facility
Objective: Comply new grid code requirements
Solution: Replace fixed harmonic filters with 320 MVAR STATCOM solution

Results
Although the main objective was to comply with grid code power factor and power quality requirements, we also achieved substantial productivity benefits.

FACTS Comparison

STATCOM is a newer technology than SVC, and because of its advantages and versatility, it is replacing SVC as the main power quality and reactive compensation solution.

OTHER Installations

Check out a couple of images below of other STATCOM installations that have been serving our customers across North America.

DOWNLOADS

Feel free to download the official FACTS brochure on STATCOM and SVC technology, applications and other important details that didn’t make it in the article.

Click the image below to view the study:

If you would like to see a more detailed analysis of electric arc furnace productivity, then Southern States LLC, Power Systems Solutions Division has a detailed whitepaper ready for you.

Click the image below to view the study: