Switching modules for the extraction/injection of power (without ground or phase reference) from a bundled HV line

A new class of devices is proposed for flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS) for high-voltage (HV) powerlines with bundled conductors. These new FACTS devices are based on switching modules (SMs), which are mounted on insulated portions of the transmission towers in close proximity to the line conductors. These SMs are composed of electromechanical and power-electronic switches and could be coupled to some other passive components. Such SMs can be used for connecting/disconnecting one or more subconductors of a phase bundle of the powerline at numerous line segments in the network. Power flow is managed in the line segment by changing the series impedance of the line segment with the SM. Furthermore, the SM could also be used for the extraction/injection of active/reactive power from a segment of the HV line. Power-flow management in an electrical power transmission network could be achieved by using serial SMs distributed throughout the transmission lines of the network. The system and method could eventually be used for modifying, in a steady state or dynamic manner, the power flow through an electric powerline. The passive components coupled with the SM improve the range of impedance modulation. A whole range of applications of the SMs could be developed.