Implementation aspects and comprehensive assessment of a 16 MVAr static VAr compensator installed for a weak distribution network

Abstract

Summary Voltage regulation at weak distribution networks and feeders imposes several challenges. The degree of complexities of the overall design and implementation is network and site dependent. In this paper, design and implementation of a thyristor controlled reactor–based static VAr compensator (SVC) system to enhance voltage regulation and avoid voltage instability are presented and discussed. The SVC system is installed for an extremely weak distribution network with long feeders in a remote area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This work is the first implementation of an SVC system in the utility's distribution network in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Principles of operation, overall design assessment, and protection modifications in the installation area are described. Power stage and digital control system are custom designed according to the specific network and operation requirements. The overall system is examined under steady‐state and dynamic conditions. Power system at the corresponding area with/without the compensator is simulated using PSCAD/EMTDC software. Field test results are also obtained, and the performance of the system is discussed along with the design considerations required for such installations. The various technical discussions presented in this paper highlight several practical considerations and practices that are valid in similar installations for extremely weak distribution networks around the world.

Design of alternating current voltage–regulating circuit based on thyristor: Comparison of single phase and three phase

“…The result showed that this method was fast, effective, and reliable. Alabduljabbar et al 6 discussed a design and implementation of thyristor-controlled reactor based on static VAR compensator (SVC) system, in order to improve the voltage regulation ability and avoid voltage instability. They used Power Systems Computer-Aided Design (PSCAD)/Electromagnetic Transients including DC (EMTDC) software to simulate electric power system on remote areas of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the results showed that in the similar case of installing network in extremely weak local distribution, the method was effective.…”

Impact of D-STATCOM in distribution systems with load growth on stability margin enhancement and energy savings using PSO and GAMS

“…Design of D‐STATCOM of ±250 kVAr for 1.6‐MVA distribution substation in Tehran to was established in Tavakoli Bina et al to control voltage regulation and to reduce unbalances. Voltage regulation of real time that existed in Saudi Arabia distribution network using 16‐MVAr STATCOM is addressed in Alabduljabbar et al Dynamic reactive power compensation provided with D‐STATCOM in 44‐kV weak industrial distribution systems to maintain acceptable voltage profiles and prevent process shutdowns. Various optimization and sensitivity based techniques were used by many authors to determine optimal location and rating of D‐STATCOM in radial distribution systems to minimize power losses.…”