Applications of voltage source inverter (VSI) based technology for FACTS and custom power installations

The application of advanced control technologies are critical for the reliable and secure operation of power systems. Power electronics based equipment, such as flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) and custom power technologies, which implement voltage source inverter (VSI) based technology concepts, constitute some of the most suitable and proven technical advancements to address the new operating challenges being presented today. These advancements are based on the high-performance capability of power electronics equipment to rapidly respond to dynamic system events, increase power transfer limits, and improve the quality of power delivered. The benefits of FACTS and custom power technologies have become widely recognized within the electric power industry, and each year more projects are being implemented throughout the United States and other parts of North America by both the utility and industrial sectors for VSI-based systems. This paper summarizes two applications of VSI-based technology in the United States; one which addresses power transmission system operating issues and is under construction (the Vermont Electric Power Company´s Essex Substation +133/-41 MVA, 115 kV STATCOM Project), and the other which focuses on distribution level power quality improvement and was completed earlier in 2000 (the Seattle Iron and Metals Corporation´s 5 MVA, 4.16 kV D-STATCOM Project). Brief descriptions of these two applications are provided