Flexible Ac Transmission Systems (Facts)

The paper reviews literature which addresses the application of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) concepts to the improvement of Power System utilisation and performance. It summarises literature on using high speed thyristor based control of HVAC power system elements to enhance the power carrying capacity of existing transmission circuits without compromising reliability. It describes a study system representative of existing power systems that has been developed to evaluate the economic and technical issues of loading transmission lines to their thermal limits. Considered are two scenarios, a multi-line corridor and a long radial interconnection, where the issues addressed are transient and dynamic stability, power flow control, reactive support and voltage stability. A benchmark system is developed to validate performance of die more simple devices. It is concluded that FACTS devices have the potential to significantly increase system stability margins thereby increasing loading capability of existing transmission corridors such as between Scotland and England. Economic evaluations of the applications reviewed in the literature show that FACTS devices are attractive when compared with the other methods of achieving similar performance objectives.