Static Var Compensator Solutions

GE’s Classic SVC design is customized based on the utilities key requirements for system performance. Every system is tested extensively during factory acceptance testing and site commissioning to ensure guaranteed performance.

• Allows grid operators to gain accurate control of network reactive power and voltage
• Increases power transfer capability
• Improves steady-state and dynamic stability of the grid with very fast response times

GE’s patented Main Reactor SVC design is customized based on the utility’s key requirements for system performance. Every system is tested extensively during factory acceptance testing and site commissioning to ensure guaranteed performance.

Traditionally, the SVC medium voltage bus is connected directly to the SVC coupling transformer, but with the main reactor configuration there is a reactor connected between SVC bus and coupling transformer.

The Main Reactor concept efficiently isolates harmonics, even in demanding network conditions. This design requires fewer harmonic filters enabling a compact, optimized SVC layout.

• Main Reactor blocks harmonics generated by the SVC
• Lower amount of filtering is needed
• Improved harmonic distortion at the Point of Common Coupling
• Less harmonic stress on the SVC coupling transformer
• Lower voltage stress on all components
• Minimized requirement for Thyristor Switched Capacitors (TSC), potentially eliminated
• Thyristor Controlled Reactors (TCR) has smaller coils, lower losses and reduced number of thyristor valve levels
• Only low order filters are needed (reactor blocks high order), wide filtering band can be used

GE’s Advanced Digital Control for SVC Systems

GE’s approach to SVC Control System represents the latest in design methodology by utilizing a powerful Model Based Design approach. With this approach the SVC Control System software is built using a core library of complex control algorithms that represents over 50 years of FACTS experience within GE. Model Based Design utilizes a graphical interface for the design stage and translation of control models with automatic code generation for all testing and verification stages. With this approach, GE has enhanced the quality, reliability, and maintainability of the Advanced Digital Control system for SVCs.

• With Model Based Design, programming and customization of control functions is simplified by the use of a graphical programming interface.
• Testing and verification of the control system at the design stage starts early using real-time control models in closed loop with the SVC power electronics and the power grid.
• Simulation environment uses real-time control models providing the most accurate representation of control performance. The control models can be easily exported to PSCAD™ or similar tools with one-to-one representation for further testing and simulations.
• Automatic code generation allows direct conversion of graphical control models into real-time control software, eliminating the manual “coding stage”, resulting in improved quality and reliability.
• Complete traceability of customer requirements throughout the control model provides easy and efficient way for software modifications and new feature implementation at any stage of the project.
• Model Based Design approach adopted by GE has already revolutionized the development approach for critical control software in aviation, space and automotive industries, resulting in significant improvement in software quality for critical and life-supporting applications.

Thyristor valves are used for controlling reactive power in Static Var Compensators. Thyristor Controlled Reactor (TCR) valves are used to control the effective fundamental frequency current in the reactors by controlling the conducting ratio through varying the firing angle of the thyristors. Thyristor Switched Capacitors (TSC) bank valves are used for switching capacitor banks on or off according to the reactive power demand on a time scale of several periods or more.

The Advanced Thyristor Valve (ATV) is GE’s latest range of liquid-cooled thyristor valves for Static Var Compensator applications. These thyristor valves have been developed by drawing on GE’s extensive experience of more than 50 years of applying thyristor based SVCs both for transmission and industrial applications. The ATV provides a very compact, versatile and standardized platform for both TCR and TSC variants.

GE has designed, delivered and supports over 380 Static Var Compensator Systems globally in a broad range of applications and environments. The below details are a selected representation of recent projects, a complete reference list is available upon request.

Customer References