Static Synchronous Compensator
A STATCOM, or Static Synchronous Compensator, is a device used in electrical systems to improve their quality and stability. It is a specific application of a Voltage Source Converter (VSC) in FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) technology.
STATCOMs are capable of generating or absorbing reactive power ultra-fast and continuously, offering a distinct advantage over conventional technologies such as capacitor banks or inductors, which adjust reactive power in discrete steps and with a slower response speed. This dynamic, real-time compensation not only optimizes power quality, but also ensures accurate and stable voltage control, even in the face of the fastest and most demanding load variations on the grid.
1. Control and Protection
Equipped with a friendly HMI interface, our STATCOM offers ease of operation and multifunctional control settings. The system features remote real-time monitoring capabilities.
2. Cooling system
Air/water or water/water cooling options are available. Our systems are designed with water pump redundancy for greater reliability.
3. Power Unit
This is the key element of the STATCOM. Our design offers high voltage with extremely low harmonic distortion using a low switching frequency that reduces power losses. We offer Wire bond or Press Pack IGBTs.
4. Reactor
Air core reactors offer high power density solutions. For some ratings and topologies, we can offer iron core, indoor reactors contained within the STATCOM for even a smaller footprint.
Functionally, a STATCOM consists of a voltage source converter that converts direct current to alternating current with any phase and magnitude. This is achieved using power semiconductor devices, such as IGBTs , which are controlled by modern and sophisticated control systems. By varying the phase and magnitude of the injected voltage, a STATCOM can act as a source or sink of reactive power.
By injecting reactive power into the grid, a STATCOM can increase the voltage at the point of connection. Similarly, by absorbing reactive power, it can decrease the voltage. This ability to act dynamically is especially valuable during fault conditions or system disturbances, as it can help to quickly stabilize the grid.
Download this brochure for more information about STATCOM and SVC technology specifications
DownloadProper selection and configuration of equipment can offer substantial benefits
Power factor control and voltage regulation is a must for renewable generation to comply grid code requirements.
A steady voltage and low harmonic content, increases productivity
Load evolution demands faster and more efficient solutions to avoid downtime and increase equipment life.
STATCOMs deploy their versatility in a wide range of scenarios, being particularly beneficial in both transmission lines and industrial environments. Let's examine the advantages they offer, segmented according to their field of application:
1. Power Quality Improvement: Industrial facilities, such as steel mills, often face loads that introduce significant voltage fluctuations and generate harmonics. STATCOMs can effectively mitigate these disturbances by providing or absorbing reactive power quickly, which substantially improves power quality and decreases harmonics, benefiting from their inherent filtering capability.
2. Unbalance Correction: With a delta connection configuration, STATCOMs are particularly effective in correcting phase-to-phase unbalance, a common challenge in environments with asymmetrical loads. This is crucial to prevent abnormal operating conditions and protect sensitive equipment.
3. Flicker Reduction: The operation of electric arc furnaces and energy-demanding machinery can cause rapid and severe load fluctuations. STATCOMs intervene to counteract these effects, stabilizing the voltage and thereby improving the visual stability and performance of sensitive equipment.
4. Power Factor Improvement: In the industrial context of a steel mill, optimizing the power factor is not only a matter of energy efficiency, but also a matter of economics. By improving the power factor, penalties imposed by the utility company can be minimized and the efficiency of electrical energy utilization can be maximized.
1. Real-Time Voltage Control: STATCOMs are essential for dynamic voltage control in transmission systems, which is crucial for maintaining operation within the limits of safety and efficiency.
2. Grid stability: They help maintain system stability in the face of transient events, such as line outages or system failures, by providing immediate voltage support.
3. Transfer Capacity Expansion: They allow greater load transfer over existing lines by improving the voltage profile, which can delay or eliminate the need to build new transmission lines.
4. Transmission Loss Reduction: By optimizing reactive power flow, STATCOMs can help reduce transmission line losses.
Summary
Industry: Steel
Load: 2 x 120 MVAs EAF steel facility
Objective: Comply new grid code requirements
Solution: Replace fixed harmonic filters with 320 MVAR STATCOM solution
Results
Although the main objective was to comply grid code power factor and power quality requirements, we obtained substantial productivity benefits.
Learn more about our STATCOM projects
There was a non-compliance in the plant according to the Grid Code power factor parameters under low load conditions. In addition, the plant was constantly experiencing voltage fluctuations causing problems in electronic equipment and restart or failure of the robots.
We installed a dynamic compensation equipment that will resolve defaults under low load conditions and mitigate the effects of voltage fluctuations on the electronic equipment.
Previously, the Load Center did not comply with the power factor requirement indicated in the Grid Code. Therefore, an equipment was implemented, which could adapt to the reactive power demand by reading two feeders at different voltages and perform a dynamic compensation to ensure compliance at the PCC (114 kV).
STATCOM 5 MVAR @ 34.5 kV Thanks to the fact that our installed technology has the capacity to deliver and absorb the necessary reagents dynamically to control the power factor of the plant at the connection point, we were able to meet the objective of maintaining the power factor between 0.97 and 1.00 at least 95% of the time, in accordance with the future requirement of the Grid Code
To achieve compliance with Grid Code 2.0 phase 2, that will be effective on April 8, 2026, it was necessary to install a +/- 12 MVAR STATCOM, connected to the 20 Kv main bus and consider leaving the existing compensation equipment in place.
With the installation of the STATCOM, it was possible to compensate the necessary reactives, leaving the power factor at 0.98 inductive values, 100% of the time, complying with the requirement established by the Grid Code 2.0 Phase 2.
There is non-compliance with the power factor and current unbalance parameters established in the Grid Code 1.0.
With the installation of the STATCOM, the power factor and current unbalance parameters were achieved, which decreased by 60%, with the requirement established by the Grid Code 2.0 Phase 2.
Diram was approached by Draxton to request a Grid Code study at the Irapuato plant in which there was detected a power factor non-compliance
Due to the variability of the load, and having a considerable current unbalance, the solution is a STATCOM.
Diram was approached by Draxton to request a Grid Code study at the Saltillo plant in which a non-compliance in power factor and current unbalance was detected.
Due to the variability of the load, and having a considerable current unbalance, the solution was a STATCOM.
