Comparison of STATCOM, SVC, TCSC, and SSSC

Performance in Steady State Voltage Stability

Improvement

Shravana Musunuri Gholamreza Dehnavi

Student Member, IEEE Student Member, IEEE
Mississippi State University Mississippi State University
USA USA
sm3 54@msstate.edu gdI24@msstate.edu

Abstract- The paper presents a comparison of four Flexible of the many problems that could be caused due to the random
AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) controllers, the Static Var nature of the wind [2]. Many potential problems like low
Compensator (SVC), the STATic synchronous COMpensator voltage ride through, unbalanced faults impact etc [3] need to
(STATCOM), the Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator be analyzed.
(TCSC) and the Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC)
on power system steady state voltage stability. The choice of the The recent development and use of Flexible Alternating
location and sizing of these devices is also presented and an Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) in the bulk power
analysis is made on the IEEE 14 bus system using Power System transmission system has led to many applications where these
Analysis Toolkit (PSAT) software. A cost comparison of these devices are not only able to improve the voltage and angle
FACTS devices with traditional reactive power/voltage stability stability but are also able to provide flexible operation
devices is also presented. capabilities. Several distinct models have been proposed to
represent FACTS in static and dynamic analysis of the system
[4]. This paper mentions the application of four such FACTS
I. INTRODUCTION
devices that are more used for voltage stability problem. Static
The present day power system is a large complex Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), Static VAR
interconnected network that consists of thousands of buses and Compensator (SVC), Thyristor Controlled Series
hundreds of generators. The network is increasing everyday Compensator (TCSC), Static Synchronous Series
with the increase in demand and to meet this, either new Compensator (SSSC) are the FACTS devices that are used for
installation of power generating stations and transmission this purpose. The operational characteristics and capabilities
lines is required or the existing infrastructure operation has to of each of these devices in improving the steady state voltage
be extended to limits. The laying of new lines or installation of stability of a selected test system are dealt in this paper along
new generating stations imposes many environmental and with the simulation results.
economical constraints. As a result, the existing transmission
lines are more heavily loaded than ever before and one The paper is organized as follows: Section II introduces
consequence of this is the threat of losing stability following a steady state voltage stability in general. A brief introduction of
disturbance. It was found that the voltage instability was one the stability of FACTS devices is presented in Section III.
of the main reasons for the recent North American blackout in The selected test case system and software tool is then briefly
August 2003 [1]. Voltage instability causes system voltage stated in Section IV. In Section V, the location and ratings of
collapse, which makes the system voltage to decrease to a FACTS device and the results obtained are presented along
level that is unacceptable and is unable to recover leading to with a discussion.
interruption of the power supply in the system. The only way
to counteract this problem is by reducing the reactive power II. STEADY STATE VOLTAGE STABILITY
load in the system or by adding new reactive generation Steady state voltage stability and Dynamic voltage
systems in the weakest points in the system, thereby, stability are two types of voltage stability defmed based on the
increasing the voltage at those points. The stability could get time frame of simulation [5]. Since the steady state analysis
much worsened as the percentage of power generated from the only involves the solution of algebraic equations it is
renewable energy systems like wind power increase [2]. The computationally less extensive than dynamic analysis. Also,
recent potential grid instability caused by too much wind this analysis is ideal for the bulk of studies in which voltage
power generated from the wind systems in Oregon area is one stability limit for many pre-contingency and post-contingency
 v.
cases must be determined [5]. Slow variations in the power
system that eventually lead to voltage collapse is analyzed in
the steady state voltage study. This can be seen from the plot
, -'-��-'-�
-LL Filter-
a'1
of the power with the voltage at the bus also known as the "P­
u
V" curve or "nose" curve. Figure 12 is a typical P-V curve

�
plot. It can be seen from the figure that as the power
transferred increases, the voltage at the receiving end
decreases, eventually reaching a nose point where any further Vref

increase in the power transfer leads to a rapid decline in +--

"
voltage magnitude. Before reaching the critical point, the large
voltage drop due to heavy reactive power losses can be Figure I. Basic structure of SVC
observed [5]. The region above the nose point is referred to as
the stable region and region below is the unstable region.
Analysis of the power flow equations reveal that the nose
point occurs at the value at which the corresponding Jacobian
is singular and is mathematically associated to saddle-node
bifurcation point. This nose point is also known as the
maximum loadability point and hence the voltage collapse
problem could also be defined as an optimization problem,
where the objective is to maximize certain system parameters
typically associated to load levels [5]. Hence, voltage collapse
analysis can also be used to compute the maximum power that
can be transmitted through the transmission system [4].
Figure 2. Steady state V-I characteristics of SVC
As explained in the introduction section of this paper, the
voltage reduction can be improved by either decreasing the B. Static Synchronous Compensator
reactive load or by increasing the reactive power supply
STATCOM is a Voltage-Source Inverter (VSI), which
before voltage collapse point. Flexible control and operation
converts a DC input voltage into AC output voltage in order to
of various FACTS devices can be effectively used for this
compensate the active and reactive power needed by the
purpose. Of various existing FACTS devices, this paper
system [6]. Figs. 3 and 4 show the basic structure and terminal
addresses the improvement by installing STATCOM, SVC,
characteristic of STATCOM, respectively. It can be seen from
TCSC and SSSC at the weakest bus.
Fig. 3 that STATCOM is a shunt-connected device, which
controls the voltage at the connected bus to the reference value
III. FACTS DEVICES
by adjusting voltage and angle of internal voltage source.
Each of the above mentioned FACTS devices have their From Fig. 4, it is clear that STATCOM exhibits constant
own characteristic and limitations. They are represented by current characteristics when the voltage is lowlhigh
different models and mathematical equations depending on the under/over the limit. This allows STATCOM to deliver
issue under consideration and the time frame involved. This constant reactive power at the limits compared to SVC [1,5].
section gives a brief introduction to each of these devices.

A. Static VAR Compensator

Static VAR Compensator (SVC) is a shunt connected
static Var generator/load, whose output is adjusted according
the required capacitive or inductive current. The basic
structure of SVC is shown in Fig. I. It can be seen that the
model of a SVC is represented by a controllable reactor and
fixed capacitors. Through a suitable coordination of the
capacitors and the controlled reactor, the bus reactive power
c-
injected (or absorbed) by the SVC can be continually varied in
+

order to control the voltage or to maintain the desirable power

Figure 3. Basic structure of STATCOM
flow in the transmission network either over normal operating
or under disturbances conditions [1,5]. For steady state
analysis, SVC is represented as a controllable susceptance. It
contains the equivalent of automatic voltage regulator system
to set and maintain a target voltage level. Steady state
characteristic of SVC in Fig. 2 shows that there are upper and
lower limits for SVC susceptance [1,4,6].

2
 v

voo... r 1
\,.
-'--�----��---�'
Va.p

Figure 4. Steady state VI characteristics of STATCOM

C. Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor

TCSC device uses Thyristor-Controlled Reactor (TCR) in
parallel with capacitor segments of series capacitor bank. The
basic structure of this device is shown in Fig. 5 and it can be
Figure 7. Stability model of SSSC
seen that the combination of TCR and capacitor allows the
capacitive reactance to be smoothly controlled over a wide
range. The value of susceptance (Be) of the line can be
controlled according to a specific controlled variable [5] hence
controlling the voltage. Fig. 6 gives the impedance
characteristics of TCSC with the firing angle. �,
j
i
a:

- � +.,.-
I,
Figure 8.
6 (rad)

Power-angle characteristics in constant reactance mode [8]

Figure 5. Basic structure of TCSC IV. TEST SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE

A standard IEEE 14-bus test system as shown in Fig. 9 is

used for this study. The test system consists of five
1tI(2�) synchronous machines, including three synchronous
a (rad) compensators used only for reactive power support and two
generators located at buses 1 and 2. In the system, there are
twenty branches and fourteen buses with eleven loads totaling
'A.=sqrl(x,/x.) 259 MW and 81.4 Mvar. The simulation is based on PSAT
simulation software [9]. PSAT is power system analysis
software, which has many features including power flow and
continuation power flow.
Figure 6. TCSC impedance characteristics [7]

D. Static Synchronous Series Compensator

SSSC is based on a solid-state synchronous voltage source
employing an appropriate DC to AC inverter, which can be
used for series compensation of transmission lines. The SSSC
is based on a DC capacitor fed Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)
[4] that generates a three-phase voltage at fundamental
frequency, which is then injected in a transmission line
through a transformer connected in series with line. The main
control objective of the SSSC is to directly control the current,
and indirectly the power, flowing through the line by
controlling the reactive power exchange between the SSSC
and the AC system. Fig. 7 shows the representing model of
Figure 9. IEEE 14 bus system [6]
SSSC and state variables and Fig. 8 shows its operational
characteristics [1,5].

3
 V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION C. Simulation Results

/) Base case
A. Location a/Compensation Devices
As described in the earlier section, the continuation power
The best location for shunt reactive power compensation
flow analysis using PSAT is run for the test system and the
for steady state voltage stability margin is the weakest bus of
voltage profile without any FACTS devices is obtained. It was
the system [5]. Using continuation power flow (CPF) feature
found from the results that bus 14 was the weakest bus and the
of PSAT, the voltage profile of the test system is determined
following Fig. 11 gives the voltage profile and Fig.12 gives
and the weakest bus i.e., the bus where the voltage collapse
the PV curve for the weakest bus which is bus 14. It can be
first occurs is identified. Shunt compensation is provided in
seen from the figure that the maximum loading parameter A =
that bus to improve the system performance. The ideal
2.7699 pu for the base case.
location for Series compensation is still under investigation
[5]. However, a widely used and accepted method is by using Voltage Magnitude Profile

the continuation power flow, the performance is studied by

placing the series compensator one at a time in the lines
between weakest buses, and determining the best location.
This method is followed in this paper.

B. Device Ratings
The required shunt compensation capacity is determined
by knowing the amount of reactive power support needed at
the weakest bus. This could be determined by placing a
synchronous condenser without any limit on the reactive
power at the weakest bus and observing the amount of reactive
power generated at the maximum loading point. Another Bus #14

method is by fmding the relationship between the maximum

loading point and the corresponding capacities that the devices Figure II. Voltage profile for the base case without FACTS devices
can deliver without having the voltage collapse [5]. The series
compensation sizing can be determined from the voltage
stability study. The active and reactive power requirement at
the collapse point gives the rating of the required series
compensation [1]. In this paper, rating of shunt and series
devices is determined under intact system. Fig. 10 gives the 0.9
flow chart of the procedure followed as was explained in the
0 .8
previous paragraphs.
0.7 \

./
0.6
Select the Standard Network

051:---

0. 40!:-----=0'=-
.5 -
- !:-
, --""'.,5
'='--'!:-----=
.2'=-
5-!
Loadirg Parameter I. (p.u.)
for BLS 14 (v.eakest bus)

Figure 12. "Nose" curve for Bus 14 without FACTS

2) With STATCOM
from PV curves
It is seen from Fig. 12 that the voltage collapse occurs at
the maximum loading of A = 2.7699 and bus 14 is the best
Determine the FACTS rating location for shunt compensation. Using the procedure
according to reactive power
requirements obtained from power
described in the earlier section, a STATCOM of 0.7717 pu
flow was placed at bus 14 and CPF analysis was performed. Fig. 13
gives the voltage profile at bus 14 with STATCOM. It can be
seen from the figure that the maximum loading factor A =

2.8507 pu and has increased when compared to the base case.

Compare FACTS according to PV

curves

Figure 10. Flowchart of procedure followed

4
 1.01
5 .--�--�--�-�--, 1.1____

1.01

1.00
5
0.9

0.99
5 0.8

0.99
07
.
0.98
5
0.6
0.98

0.
5
0.97
5

0.97 �
0.
4

0. 5
96 0!:-=="':'=05. 1.
5 2.
5
Loading Parameter A. (p.u.) 0.
5 1.
5 2.
5
for Sus 14 Loading Parameter /,. (p.u.)
1
Bus 4

Figure 13. "Nose" curve with STATeOM

Figure 15. "Nose" curve for Bus 14 with ssse at bus line 13-14
3) With SVC
The STATCOM is now replaced with an SVC whose
required capacity was detennined in a similar way as
STATCOM. Fig. 14 gives the voltage profile at bus 14 with 5) With TCSC
Svc. It can be seen from the figure that the maximum loading TCSC, as was described in the earlier section, the TCSC
factor A = 2.8203 pu has increased when compared to the was placed in the weakest bus lines one at a time and it was
base case but is less than STATCOM case. It can also be seen found that for this system bus line 13-14 series compensation
that the SVC has a relatively flat profile until the voltage has better results. Hence, a 0.2 pu TCSC was placed in that
collapse point, and then decreases suddenly. This is inherent bus line. Fig.16 gives the voltage profile for the system with
to the SVC approaching its operating characteristics limits. TCSC. It is seen that the maximum loading factor A = 2.8031
has increases when compared to the base case but is lesser
than the shunt compensation devices.

1.1
1.1,--�--�--,--,

0.9 0.9

\
0.8
0.8
/
0.7
0.7

0.6

0.
5
0.
5
e--
0 ...,0
:'-: -
5. -----,15 '-:- --
. �- -='
2 5...,. --.I
Loading Parameter I. (p.u.) 0.4
Bus 14

0.
5 1.
5 2.
5
Loading Parameter I. (p.u.)
Figure 14. "Nose" curve with sve Bus 14

4) With SSSC
For the series compensation, as was described in the earlier
section, the SSSC was placed in the weakest bus lines one at
a time and it was found that for this system bus line 13 -14
series compensation has better results. Hence, a 0.2 pu SSSC
was placed in that bus line. Fig. 15 gives the voltage profile
for the system with SSSC. It is seen that the maximum
loading factor A = 2.8047 has increases when compared to
the base case but is less than the shunt compensation devices.
Figure 16. "Nose" curve for Bus 14 with TeSe at bus line 13-14
D. Analysis ofResults
Based on the results above, it can be seen that the
maximum loading factor with STATCOM is highest while
that with SSSC is lowest when compared to the base case. It
can also be seen that the voltage reduction is lowest in case of
STATCOM. Shunt compensation device injects the reactive
power at the connected bus but series compensation device
inserts the reactive power at the connected line. The test
system needs reactive power at the load bus more than the
line; hence shunt compensation gives better results. It can also

5
be seen that the SVC has a flat voltage profile until the [4] C. A. Canlzares, Z. T. Faur, "Analysis SVC and TCSC Controllers in
collapse point and then rapidly decreases as it approaches the Voltage Collapse," IEEE Trans. Power Systems, Vol. 14, No. I,
February 1999, pp. 158-165.
operational limits. From fig. 18 in appendix, it can also be
[5] Arthit Sode-Yome, Nadarajah Mithulananthan and Kwang Y. Lee, "A
seen that with the addition of FACTS devices with appropriate
Comprehensive comparison of FACTS Devices for Enhancing Static
ratings the overall system performance can be improved. Voltage Stability," IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting,
June 2007.
Table I gives the average costs of various FACTS devices
[6] Mehrdad Ahmad, Mostafa Alinezhad, "Comparison of SVC and
[10, 11] used for steady state voltage stability. The cost of
STATCOM in Static Voltage Stability Margin Enhancement",
capacitor-based compensation is also provided for reference. Proceedings of World Academy of Science, Engineering and
Technology, Vol. 38, Feb. 2009
[7] Lennart Angquist*, Gunnar Ingestrom, Hans-Ake Jonsson, "Dynamic
TABLE I. COST COMPARISON OF FACTS DEVICES
performance of TCSC schemes", ABB Power Systems, 1996.
Compensation Device Cost (US $) [8] Understanding FACTS by N.Hingorani, L.Gyugyi: IEEE Press
[9] F. Milano, "Power System Analysis Toolbox," Version 1.3.4, Software
SYC 40-60/kYar
and Documentation, July 14, 2005.
TCSC 25-40/kYar [10] John Kueck, Brendan Kirby, Tom Rizy, Fangxing Li and Ndeye Fall,
"Reactive power from Distributed energy", Electricity Journal, Dec.
STATCOM 55 - 70/kYar 2006
[II] N.Acharya, "Facts and Figures abour FACTS", Training workshop of
Shunt Capacitor 8-12/kYar
FACTS application, EPSM, Energy, Dec. 2004
Series Capacitor 12-15/kYar

It can be seen from the table that even though the cost for
FACTS is more than the capacitor-based compensation, the
benefits of flexible operation, and safety extend their
advantages. It is interesting to note that the average cost for
synchronous condensers used for dynamic reactive power
compensation varies $10-40 per kVAR and maintenance cost
is about $OA-0.8/kVAR per year [10].

VI. CONCLUSION

The paper gives a comparison of STATCOM, SVC, SSSC, APPENDIX

and TCSC devices for steady state voltage stability
For comparison of results with and without FACTS
improvement. A technique to identity the location and sizes of
devices, a plot of the four weakest bus voltages without any
the devices based on the continuation power flow is given and
FACTS and the voltage profile of the same buses after placing
the results obtained have clearly shown the effectiveness of
a STATCOM in bus 14 is shown in the following figures.
these FACTS devices in improving the transmission
capabilities of the system. It is clear from the analysis of the
results that the shunt devices like STATCOM and SVC gives 1.1,-----.----.--..,...---,---,
the best performance for reducing the voltage collapse when
compared to the series compensation. It can also be seen that
the benefits or savings obtained by installing these FACTS
0.9
devices compensates for the additional cost in a reasonable
time.
0.8

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 0.7

The authors would like to thank Dr. Suresh Srivastava, 0.6

visiting research professor, Mississippi State University for his
guidance and encouragement for working on this topic.

0.
4
0;-----='
5-=- ----'-,----'":
0. 15=---
. 25
----0-.- --::
-'::-
. ----'
REFERENCES
Loading Parameter ,. (p.u.)
[I] C. A. Ca\iiizares, "Power flow and transient stability models of FACTS
controllers for voltage and angle stability studies," Proc. 2000
IEEEIPower Eng. Soc. Winter Meeting, pp. 8, Jan. 2000. Figure 17. Bus voltages result for NO FACTS case
[2] Shravana Musunuri, Herb Ginn, "Comprehensive Review of Wind
Maximum Power Extraction Algorithms", to be submitted at PES In the above figure the light blue color curve corresponds
General Meeting, July 2011 to the bus 14, which is the weakest bus. It is clear from fig. 17
[3] Baggu, M.M.; Watson, L.D.; Kimball, J.W.; Chowdhury, B.H, "Direct and fig. 18 that by placing STATCOM at bus 14, not only the
Power Control of double fed generator based wind turbine converters to voltage profile at that bus has improved significantly, but also
improve Low voltage ride through during system imbalance",Applied the voltage profile of other buses has also improved.
Power Electronics Conference, March 2010.

6
 -

0.9

O.B

0.7
'\
0.6

0.5 r-��- -..--___

0.4

0.5 1.5 2.5

Loading Parameter I. (p.u.)

Figure 18. Result for STATeOM case with same buses