Static VAr compensator installation in the city of San Francisco

This work presents a case study of the implementation of an advanced static VAr system in the PG&E transmission system to accomplish improved voltage regulation and system reliability. The primary reason for this capital investment is to facilitate shutdown of old synchronous condensers at PG&E-owned Hunters point power plant, which are reaching the end of their original design life. These aging assets incur high maintenance and operating costs and face the challenge to meet increasingly stricter NOx emission requirements under environmental regulations. The paper presents a discussion of the commercial issues as well as detailed technical studies necessary to ensure proper implementation of such FACTS technology systems into the transmission grid.