Flexible AC Transmission System

• Published in: International journal of computer applications 2010-02, Vol.1 (15), p.61-64
• Main Authors: Shimpi, Rahul J, Desale, Rajendra P, Patil, Kunal S, Rajput, Jaswantsing L, Chavan, Shailesh B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternating current; Control systems; Controllers; Dynamical systems; Dynamics; Economics; Electric potential; Electric power generation; FACTS
• ISSN: 0975-8887; 0975-8887
• DOI: 10.5120/322-490

FACTS or "flexible AC transmission systems" is a term that has been suggested for the use of solid state devices to control bulk power flow in transmission systems. The Electric Power Research Institute supported this idea, and many researchers have invested efforts on the value and potential of FACTS. At this time, it appears that the main value of FACTS lies in improving transmission capability; increasing the flexibility of power flow control (e.g., for wheeling or for economic dispatch); for controlling voltage (and var flow); and possibly additional advantages in lower voltage systems (e.g., distributional systems). Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) controllers have been used in power systems since the 1970s with the objective of improving system dynamic performance. Due to the environmental, right-of-way, and cost problems in both bundled and unbundled power systems, many transmission lines have been forced to operate at almost their full capacities worldwide. FACTS controllers enhance the static performance viz. increased loading, congestion management, reduced system loss, economic operation, etc., and dynamic performance viz. increased stability limits, damping of power system oscillation, etc. In this paper, an overview of FACTS controllers is explained. Various FACTS controllers and several devices in FACTS family are also discussed.