Facts about Flexible AC Transmission Sys tems (FACTS): Practical Installations and Benefits
Acharya, N 1, Sode-yome, A 2, Mithulananthan, N 1
1 2
Energy Program, Asian Institute of Techno logy, Pathumthani, Thailand Depa rtment of Electrical Engineering, Sia m Un iversity, Ban gkok, Tha iland
Abstract The technical aspect of the Flexible AC Transmission Systems (F ACTS) controllers is well researched and docu mented as they have bee n in research for last three decades. However, the nu mber of real world applications is limited. The h igh cost, limited manufacturing and supply of these c ontrollers and lack o f demonstration of financial profitableness have limited their deployment. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to present various facts related to the landmark development: practical installati ons, ben efits and application of these controllers in the ele ctric utilities. The paper first introduc es major FACTS controllers and presents the role of power semiconducto r devices. The history of developmen t of these devices is presented to b etter understand the trend of deployment during the last thr ee decades. The information regarding the first utility installation/demonstration of FACTS devices is given in chrono logical order. A comprehensive collection of FACTS installations around the world is then presented. The pap er then analyzes the benefit tha t can be achieved and cost associated with these devices. The high costs h ave undermined the usefulness of these devices in the d eregulated market. The paper proceeds w ith the discussion on the various applications that FACTS devices c an have in the de regulated market. A case of deregulated UK market is presented, whe re large number of re -locatable SVC (RSVC) is being use d to tackle voltage control problem. It shows h ow the changing environment can drive the techno logy to change. Various issues related with the FACTS controllers like location, size and settings ar e also presented in the sub sequent sections . The problem of high losses of advanced FACTS controllers as compa red to conventional counterpart and need to take into accoun t of interaction amon g controllers in future power system is highlighted. One real world example of each maj or FACTS controller is presented and analyzed in the paper. Keywords: FACTS Applicat ion, FACTS Installation, FACTS Benefits, FACTS Cost, Deregulated Market, Semiconductor Devices .