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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS): Scoping study

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5340023

This project addressed the application of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) concepts to the improvement of power system utilization and performance. The research assessed the feasibility of power-flow control schemes and prepared guidelines for equipment development. Methods for securely achieving higher power transfers across existing lines limited by stability constraints were explored. Functional performance requirements and preliminary control designs for FACTS devices were developed. The devices studied included fast-acting phase-shifters, rapidly-adjustable network impedance devices, thyristor-controlled braking resistors, and static VAr compensators. Using models of realistic power systems, transmission corridors where increased power transfer would be beneficial were identified. Appropriate locations for FACTS devices were identified, workable control systems were developed, and device designs were refined to increase power transfer while maintaining original stability margins. The study results indicate the FACTS devices have the potential to significantly increase system stability margins, thereby increasing the loading capability of existing transmission corridors. Economic evaluations of the applications considered in this study show that the FACTS devices are attractive, when compared with other methods of achieving the same system performance objectives. An important overview of the FACTS concept, written by Narain G. Hingorani, Vice President, Electrical Systems Division, EPRI appears in Appendix K. 21 refs., 160 figs., 40 tabs.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY (United States). Power Systems Engineering Dept.
Sponsoring Organization:
EPRI; Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
5340023
Report Number(s):
EPRI-EL-6943-Vol.2-Pt.1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English