Evaluating advanced VAR compensators for improving power system voltage stability

An evaluation of advanced VAR compensators for improving power system voltage stability is presented. The evaluation includes a comparison of the dynamic performance of three categories of advanced VAR compensators through dynamic simulation in a simple utility system, as well as design, application, operation, and other considerations. The three categories of devices discussed include power-electronically-switched capacitors, inverter-based systems without energy storage, and inverter-based systems with energy storage. Conclusions on relative advantages and disadvantages of the three categories of devices are presented.