Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) for Utilities

As electricity demand continues to rise rapidly, there is an immediate need to increase the quality and reliability of power supplying today's and tomorrow's highly complex economy. Environmental concerns, permitting issues and high costs have slowed the expansion and rebuilding of the current power networks. Solution options such as FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) devices can optimize new and existing transmission and distribution lines, making them highly efficient and capable of reliably delivering better quality power to satisfy rapidly growing energy demands.

Some of the benefits of installing a FACTS device include:

• Dyanmic reactive power compensation
• Steady-state and transient stability enhancement
• Voltage regulation
• Power transfer capacity increase
• Three-phase voltage balancing
• Reduced transmission losses
• Flicker mitigation
• Oscillation damping

D-VAR® (Dynamic VAR) STATCOMS

AMSC's D-VAR STATCOMS provide a powerful and cost-effective source of dynamic VARs for a wide range of operational needs. These STATCOM systems utilize proprietary and advanced control and monitoring that detects and instantaneously compensates for voltage disturbances by injecting leading or lagging reactive power.

D-VAR STATCOM systems are mobile assets that can be located exactly where voltage mitigation is needed most in the network. AMSC’s D-VAR STATCOM systems are designed with flexibility in mind to address the many voltage and VAR related problems seen on the transmission grid.

At the heart of each D-VAR STATCOM system are AMSC's PowerModule™ advanced power electronic converters. PowerModule inverters are an intelligent, fully integrated four-quadrant power converter with high power density. D-VAR STATCOMS can respond to both rapid and slow voltage events, providing the same level of security, reliability and enhancement to the grid as an SVC. >> More information on AMSC D-VAR STATCOM systems

Static VAR Compensators (SVC)

AMSC is North America's only static VAR compensator (SVC) manufacturer. The AMSC SVC is a solid-state FACTS device that provides dynamic reactive power compensation based on proven thyristor technology.

Installing a static VAR compensator at appropriate locations in the transmission network can help stabilize weak systems, minimize line losses, increase power transfer capability and can provide greater dynamic voltage control. Static VAR compensators can respond to the fastest of voltage transients that appear on power systems and can reduce the risk of detrimental voltage collapse. The vernier control provided by SVCs also allows for steady-state voltage regulation, maintaining a smooth voltage profile.  These static VAR compensator solutions can be configured to meet specific customer requirements. AMSC's highly experience power systems engineering team can optimize the SVC configuration to best fit your needs.  AMSC provides full turnkey services and offers extensive maintenance and monitoring capabilities. >> More information on AMSC SVC static VAR compensators

Transmission Planning Expertise

American Superconductor is a world leader in developing HTS cable projects. AMSC combines knowledge of transmission planning, refrigeration system integration and project execution to provide a seamless transmission solution. AMSC starts with a customer’s transmission planning team to determine the best solution for their network. Should an HTS cable be the correct solution, AMSC develops a project specification and works with the cable system and refrigeration system manufacturers to provide solutions on time and within budget.

Comprehensive Transmission Solution Planning:

• Load flow studies
• Dynamic and stability analysis
• Transfer capability studies
• Power quality and reliability studies

Request a transmission planning study, or get more information on flexible AC transmission systems, D-VAR STATCOMS, or static VAR compensators.

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