FACTS for improving the efficiency and quality of AC transmission systems

Abstract

The power supply industry is undergoing change as a result of deregulation and political and economical détente in many parts of the world. This new market environment puts growing demands for flexibility and power quality into focus. Also, trade of electric power between countries is gaining momentum, and wind power is starting to yield serious contributions to the generation balance. With FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems), more power can be transmitted with unimpeded availability at an investment cost and time expenditure lower, or in cases even far lower than it would cost to achieve the same with more extensive grids. Also, in many cases, money can be saved on a decrease of power transmission losses. From an environmental point of view, FACTS enables the transmission of power with less right-of-way impact than would otherwise be possible. Furthermore, the saving in transmission losses may well bring about a corresponding decrease in need for power generation.