Impact of VSC-Based Multiline FACTS Controllers on Distance Protection of Transmission Lines

By utilizing multiline voltage-source (VSC)-based flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) controllers, independent controllability over each compensated line of a multiline system can be achieved. While VSC-based multiline FACTS controllers emerged as a new opportunity to control two independent ac systems, the main constraints and limitations that are presented to the conventional transmission-line protection systems need to be investigated. In this paper, the impacts of VSC-based FACTS controllers on distance relays while controlling the power flow of compensated lines are evaluated analytically and by detailed simulations for different fault types and locations.