Modulation and SSR tests performed on the BPA 500 kV thyristor controlled series capacitor unit at Slatt substation

Field experience is reported for a thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) recently commissioned at BPA´s Slatt substation. Subsynchronous resonance tests show that TCSC interactions with shaft dynamics of PGE´s Boardman steam generator are well understood and are effectively avoided by normal TCSC valve firing logic. Modulation tests, performed with the Boardman plant offline, show that the TCSC can be a powerful and responsive actuator for swing damping. Security considerations did not permit lightly damped operation of the controlled plant. Close analysis indicates that the TCSC damping contribution, though small, was measurable. The best estimate is that damping for the McNary mode is 7.33% and 8.55%, for the TCSC damper loop open and closed respectively. TCSC testing and monitoring is facilitated by an advanced interactive measurement network representing BPA´s approach to the information requirements of major control systems