Introduction
Accelerated power demand and renewable integration, combined with the sunsetting of conventional power generation technology, are bringing significant challenges to grid operators.
Building on GE Vernova’s legacy of more than 130 years in power electronics including SVCs, STATCOMs, HVDC, and more, our newest FACTSFLEX STATCOM portfolio enhances grid controllability, adds inertia, improves voltage and frequency stability, and increases the power transfer capabilities of AC transmission systems.
What is a FACTSFLEX STATCOM and How Does It Work?
FACTSFLEX Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) solution is a shunt-connected customized system installed on AC transmission networks. It is based on Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology where current is injected or absorbed to regulate the voltage, frequency, and other grid variables. When energy storage is installed, active power is generated/absorbed to improve stability in different grid disturbances. FACTSFLEX can operate either as current source (grid-following) or voltage source (grid-forming).
FACTSFLEX STATCOMS
FACTSFLEX Classic
GE Vernova's traditional grid-following STATCOM is a well established technology. FACTSFLEX Classic provides reactive power compensation and voltage control with a faster response time and a smaller footprint than traditional SVC solutions.
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FACTSFLEX GFM
GE Vernova's grid-forming STATCOM provides instantaneous natural reactive power injection for grid disturbances. Grid-forming control drives improved damping characteristics and provides a cost-efficient and powerful grid stabilizing solution.
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FACTSFLEX GFMe
The FACTSFLEX GFMe is a comprehensive, grid-forming, double-star configured STATCOM with integrated energy storage that stabilizes the grid voltage and frequency during grid disturbances using active and reactive power.
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FACTSFLEX Classic
GE Vernova's traditional grid-following STATCOM is a well established technology. FACTSFLEX Classic provides reactive power compensation and voltage control with a faster response time and a smaller footprint than traditional SVC solutions.
Features include: active harmonic filtering, reactive power control, dynamic voltage regulation, negative sequence voltage control, black start support, automatic performance optimization, stability monitoring, POD, and intelligent transient support.
FACTSFLEX GFM
GE Vernova's grid-forming STATCOM provides instantaneous natural reactive power injection for grid disturbances. Grid-forming control drives improved damping characteristics and provides a cost-efficient and powerful grid stabilizing solution.
Features include: all Classic features plus: improved weak grid operation, inherent reactive power response to network disturbances and improved low voltage ride-through.
FACTSFLEX GFMe
The FACTSFLEX GFMe is a comprehensive, grid-forming, double-star configured STATCOM with integrated energy storage that stabilizes the grid voltage and frequency during grid disturbances using active and reactive power.
Features include: all GFM features plus: synthetic inertia to limit RoCoF and nadir, fast frequency response, active phase jump power, short circuit contribution and improved POD operation.
FACTSFLEX STATCOMs are powerful and flexible systems per se. However for unsymmetric operation range or other grid needs they can be augmented with reactive power elements such as TSR, TSC, MSR, MSC, MSCDN, and/or passive filters or complemented with cross-FACTS solutions like FSC, synchronous condensers, SSSC, and/or UPFC.
Learn More About The AbbreviationsFunctions of a FACTSFLEX STATCOM
Main functions of FACTSFLEX STATCOMs include:
Frequency and voltage stability
React to grid voltage and frequency disturbances by injecting or absorbing reactive and/or active power.
Voltage and reactive power control
Adjust reactive power to a user defined level that will support and maintain system stability, improve power transfer capability and compensate for load/generation imbalances.
Power oscillation damping
Control STATCOM output power to dampen oscillations in frequency or power including mitigation of sub-synchronous resonances.
Negative-phase sequence control
Balance asymmetrical loads or balance phase voltages.
Power quality improvement
Active filtering of harmonics and flicker mitigation.
Adaptive controls
Automatic performance optimization and stability monitoring enable adapting to a wider range of grid conditions.
± 300 Mvar
Typical
OVER 99%
Availability
± 150 MW 5 s
Customizable
The Benefits of FACTSFLEX
The energy transition, electrification, and decarbonization are exposing grids to evolving challenges. FACTSFLEX STATCOMs provide a solution to foster and stabilize the grid with reactive/active power compensation, extended grid enhancement capabilities, and an improved range of operational voltage with faster response times. Other benefits include:
Long-term service agreements to maximize asset potential
Reduced operational costs
Uninterrupted operation for peace of mind
Digital twin technology and online measurements for enhanced maintenance
Long lifetime due to robust design and thorough testing
Long-term service agreements to maximize asset potential
Reduced operational costs
Uninterrupted operation for peace of mind
FACTSFLEX Solution – Interactive Explorer
1
Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC)
2
Energy Storage
3
Advanced Digital Control (ADC) System
4
Step-Down Transformer
5
Valve Phase Reactor
6
Cooling System
Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC)
The FACTSFLEX MMC valve rapidly and effectively responds to grid events to maintain the system stability. A modular open-rack structure, where the valve is located inside a building making any required maintenance significantly easier than containerized solutions. Redundant valve submodules ensure the specified availability, so if an error is detected, a submodule is shorted by an ultrafast, re-usable, bypass switch without interrupting the system operation.
Energy Storage
The supercapacitor energy storage is integrated into the FACTSFLEX GFMe for enhanced capabilities, operation, reliability, and availability. Energy storage strings can be divided into separate halls, allowing for maintenance while remaining in operation. Double-star configuration enables high-voltage energy storage integration, lower losses, and longer lifetime.
Advanced Digital Control (ADC) System
GE Vernova’s Advanced Digital Control (ADC) System and model-based design approach provide enhanced capabilities to design, simulate, test, and operate STATCOMs with smart controls and fast response time.
Step-Down Transformer
FACTSFLEX power transformers are customized with a flexible design of single- or three-phase units to handle a wide voltage variation and match the MMC voltage to the transmission system voltage.
Valve Phase Reactor
FACTSFLEX phase reactors are connected between the grid and the FACTSFLEX valve, enabling active and reactive power generation or absorption for improved performance with a minimized footprint.
Cooling System
The cooling system ensures smooth operation and long lifetime of the valves. It consists of a main water circuit with dual circulation pumps, a water treatment circuit with a deionizer, and expansion vessels. Variables are monitored to ensure thermal stability and energy efficiency.