STATCOM: a new era of reactive compensation

• Published in: Power engineering journal 2002-06, Vol.16 (3), p.151-160
• Main Authors: Horwill, C., Woodhouse, M.L., Hanson, D.J., Osborne, M.M., Monkhouse, D.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0950-3366
• DOI: 10.1049/pe:20020308

Part of a special issue containing papers developed from those delivered at the 7th International Conference on AC-DC Power Transmission, London, Nov 2001 - there are 8 other papers. National Grid (NG), as the sole transmission company in England and Wales, is required to respond quickly to changing system patterns to maintain both security and power quality. This has been achieved by an extensive programme of investment in reactive compensation. The emergence of gate turn off (GTO) thyristor-based STATCOMs has enabled the development of a competitive alternative to conventional SVCs (static var compensators). A STATCOM is a voltage sourced converter (VSC) which uses power electronic switches to derive a sinusoidal output voltage from a DC source. Describes Alstom's STATCOM technology and its commercial application on NG's system at the East Claydon substation. The results of the commissioning programme demonstrate that the STATCOM has an excellent dynamic response and achieves exceptionally low harmonic distortion. This project is the world's first application of a chain-circuit-based STATCOM and is a major step forward. (Abstract quotes from original text)