Improvement of power transmission capacity in power networks equipped with FACTS devices and Wide Area Control Systems: A case study

The opening of the power market has generated more power flows in the European electrical grid and as a consequence congestions have appeared. Differences in energy prices in different regions can generate congestions which may give rise to differences in energy pricing. As the extension of the grid with new high voltage overhead lines faces most often the opposition of the population due to environmental issues, there are some solutions to be considered to reduce congestions : installing Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices and installing Wide Area Control Systems (WACS). But a coordinated, synchronized, and reliable control of FACTS devices is necessary at the system level covering a wide area. This contribution deals with the theoretical development of such a control for the Swiss HV network, aiming at preventing congestion in the north-south corridor across the Alps. The control algorithms are developed and implemented on a reduced scale physical model for experimental validation.