Increasing transmission capacity utilization using power flow routers

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) have been in use in power systems for some time. Small penetrations of FACTS have been limited to special applications. Investment into low-cost power electronics based power routers has the potential to allow power routers to play a more prominent role in power systems. Part of this role would be to serve as dynamically dispatchable control to further optimize a power system´s state. Power routers´ expanded role will add a new dimension to transmission expansion, due to the ability of the power router to dynamically change transfer capabilities of the transmission system. Building a transmission line will no longer be the only option for system planners looking to expand, because they will now be able to utilize available capacity in parallel branches by installing a power router. This paper will compare the economic benefit of adding power flow routers to building a transmission line as a means of transmission expansion.