FACTS Planning Studies

Abstract

The ongoing planning studies performed by Transmission System Operators may identify potential issues, such as breaches of grid codes and planning criteria. These breaches will require mitigation to achieve compliance, requiring changes to the voltage and/or power flows in the network, as appropriate. In addition to the conventional measures such as changes to existing lines, addition of lines, generation, etc., FACTS controllers may offer short-term or permanent solutions, which may be easier to implement and or more economic than the conventional solution. The need for FACTS controllers may also be identified by developers of wind or solar power plants, as the best/most economical way to achieve compliance with grid code requirements.

This chapter describes the network studies that are necessary to define the characteristics of the FACTS controller(s) that could provide the technical solution to the identified issue. The chapter also describes the studies that need to be performed, if a cost-benefit analysis shows that the FACTS controller is an attractive solution. An overview of the models used for these studies is provided. These additional studies are required to provide the information for the technical specification of the FACTS controller and include rating requirements, speed of response, fault ride-through requirements, harmonic impedance, background harmonic data, and harmonic limits. An overview of the models used for these studies is provided.