STATCOM

Static Synchronous Compensator

  • Fastest solutions available for Dynamic Voltage/VAR compensation
  • Active harmonic filtering capability
  • Smallest footprint per kVAr
  • Newest, most reliable technology available
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What is STATCOM?

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.

statcom technology

STATCOM Technology

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.

STATCOM Operating principle

STATCOM is the newest VAR compensation technology available. The system is connected in parallel to the grid, generating a voltage waveform synchronized with the grid. Controlling the output voltage magnitude and frequency we can inject a rapidly changing current to follow the load reactive power requirements.

statcom operating principle

How does a STATCOM work?

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.

Statcom PDF

Download this brochure for more information about STATCOM and SVC technology specifications

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STATCOM advantages

#1: Faster solution for power factor compensation.

The STATCOM equipment outperforms the SVC in terms of response time.

The STATCOM's voltage adjustment and regulation capability is noticeably superior to that of the SVC. This is because, compared to the SVC, the STATCOM experiences much less variation in response time, generally less than 5 ms.

This difference allows the STATCOM to operate more stably and with a more dynamic response to significant changes in the system, highlighting its effectiveness in improving the stability and quality of the power supply.

#2: Active harmonic current filtering capability

Unlike the SVC, whose operation generates a significant amount of second harmonic current, the STATCOM has a minimal amount.

One of the distinguishing features of the STATCOM is its ability to inject harmonic content as needed, mitigating as a basis harmonics up to the 13th order, without this limiting its ability to control and compensate for other electrical parameters.

The percentage of harmonic content mitigation varies according to the case study and the analysis previously performed.

#3: Newest and most reliable technology available

The STATCOM, or Static Synchronous Compensator, represents a cutting-edge innovation in the field of electrical energy management. Its advanced design and rapid response capability make it an essential tool for improving the quality and stability of the power system.

Among its outstanding advantages are its ability to instantly compensate for voltage and frequency fluctuations in the power grid, as well as its ability to improve energy efficiency by optimizing reactive power transfer in the system.

In addition, the STATCOM offers greater operational flexibility and higher reliability compared to traditional reactive compensation technologies, making it a highly recommended option to ensure the integrity, reliability and safety of the power system.

  • Response time: STATCOM offers faster compensation times compared to other technologies. It allows you to control the reactive power output response almost instantaneously (<5ms), which makes it an ideal solution to compensate for loads with fast variations or that are under dynamic conditions in the system. This response contributes to maintain the stability of the electrical system in terms of reactive power compensation, active harmonic filtering, unbalance and voltage fluctuations.
  • Continuous Control: The STATCOM provides continuous and dynamic reactive power control. It can actively inject or absorb reactive power in real time, adjusting voltage and power factor to meet system needs. In contrast, capacitor banks and harmonic filters offer fixed reactive power compensation, lacking the ability to dynamically compensate for load behavior.
  • Voltage control: The STATCOM can control the voltage profile of the electrical system. It has the ability to inject or absorb reactive power to control voltage fluctuations, sags or flickers in the system. This helps to improve voltage stability and system reliability.
  • Reactive power control: The STATCOM can actively manage and control the reactive power flow of the system. It therefore allows you to compensate for fluctuations, sags or reactive power imbalances, ensuring efficient energy transfer and helping to reduce system losses.
  • Harmonic Compensation: The STATCOM can mitigate harmonic distortions present in the electrical system. It has the ability to inject opposite phase harmonic currents to cancel harmonic components, which improves power quality by reducing total harmonic distortion (THD).

Customizing STATCOM with DIRAM

Connection Type

Depending on the characteristics of your electrical network and demand needs, we offer:

  • Delta Connection
  • Star Connection

Installation Type

The location and environment of installation are key factors in the design of this equipment.

  • Indoor Installation
  • Outdoor Installation

From precise connections to critical industrial installations or flexible outdoor setups, DIRAM’s solutions are designed to elevate your electrical system to the next level.

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STATCOM Applications

Proper selection and configuration of equipment can offer substantial benefits 

statcom renewable generation

Renewable Generation, Transmission & Distribution

Power factor control and voltage regulation is a must for renewable generation to comply grid code requirements.

  • Mitigate harmonics
  • Meet voltage & power factor requirements
  • Stabilize grid voltage
  • Reduce transmission losses
  • Balance three-phase power
  • Improve transient stability
  • Increase line capacity
  • Damp power oscillations
statcom steel industry

Steel Industry

A steady voltage and low harmonic content, increases productivity

  • Reduce electrode consumption
  • Increase refractory life
  • Garner more favorable tariffs
  • Reduce outages
statcom heavy industry

Heavy Industry

Load evolution demands faster and more efficient solutions to avoid downtime and increase equipment life. 

  • Energy cost reduction
  • Reduce outages
  • Increase productivity
  • Comply grid code requirements
puntos2

What are the applications of STATCOM?

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:

Industrial Users 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.

Transmission Line Application

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.

Learn more about STATCOM applications

FACTS - STATCOM vs SVC Comparison

STATCOM is a newer technology than SVC, because of its advantages and versatility, it is replacing SVC as the main power quality and reactive compensation solution.

statcom facts comparison

STATCOM Case study

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.

statcom case study
statcom production increment

We have installed 90% of the STATCOMs in Mexico

Learn more about our STATCOM projects

ford diram

Ford Chihuahua in compliance with Grid Code with STATCOM

Problem

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.

Solution and results

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.

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tupy diram

Success story: Tupy acquires a STATCOM and complies with Grid Code

Problem

  • Capacitive default 64% of the time
  • High load variations due to furnace operation
  • High load variability
  • The 5th harmonic filter is overcompensating the system with 13.5 MVAr in the measurement period.

Solution and results

  • Installation of a +/- 6 MVAr STATCOM
  • The STATCOM met the dynamic MVAr demand created by the operation of the furnaces.
  • An average PF value of 0.98 is met 100% of the time.
  • Improved power quality parameters
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ford diram

Grid Code Compliance Solution for Tayahua MINERA FRISCO

Problem

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).

Solution and results

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

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outkumpu diram

Outokumpu Mexinox now complies with Grid Code 2.0 Phase 2 thanks to STATCOM

Challenge

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.

Solution and results

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.

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Graftech diram

Graftech Mexico improves its power quality parameters using STATCOMs

Problem

  • Inductive non- compliance 100% of the time
  • High load variations
  • No compensation equipment existent
  • Relatively high 2nd harmonics level

Solution and results

  • Installation of two STATCOMs +/- 10 MVAr each
  • STATCOM met the dynamic MVAr demand created by the variable load operation of the load center.
  • An average PF value of 0.99 is met 100% of the time.
  • For voltage unbalance, a maximum value of 0.171 % was achieved during the measurement period, remaining below the 2% limit established in the Grid Code.
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posco diram

POSCO decreases power unbalance by 60% with STATCOM

Problem

There is non-compliance with the power factor and current unbalance parameters established in the Grid Code 1.0.

  • 17 % of the time the PF is in inductive non-compliance.
  • 72 % of the time the PF is in capacitive non-compliance.
  • The current unbalance has an average value of 19.23 %.

Solution and results

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.

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ternium diram

Ternium Largos Norte complies with Grid Code 2.0 thanks to STATCOM

Problem

  • Total harmonic distortion of demand.
  • Short-term voltage fluctuation index.
  • Long-term voltage fluctuation index.
  • Current unbalance.

Solution and results

  • With the installation of the STATCOM, it was possible to maintain the power factor close to the unity value 97% of the time, complying with the limits established by the Grid Code 2.0, phase 1.
  • The individual harmonic content decreased drastically, the values of the second harmonic remained at 2.05 % and the fourth harmonic at 0.47 %, which decreased close to 50 %, being within the limits established by the Grid Code 2.0 phase 1.
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posco diram

Draxton Irapuato improves its power factor with STATCOM

Problem

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

Solution and results

Due to the variability of the load, and having a considerable current unbalance, the solution is a STATCOM.

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posco diram

Draxton Saltillo uses a STATCOM to comply with the Grid Code 2.0

Problem

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.

Solution and results

Due to the variability of the load, and having a considerable current unbalance, the solution was a STATCOM.

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See more about the projects

Some frequently asked questions about STATCOM

What is STATCOM?

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.

How does a STATCOM work?

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.

What are the advantages of a STATCOM?

  • Faster solution for power factor compensation.
  • Active harmonic current filtering capability
  • Newest and most reliable technology available

Do you have STATCOM distribution only in Mexico?

No, we also have STATCOMs distribution in countries such as the United States, Chile, Colombia and Peru. To request more information call us or send us a message by clicking here and one of our experts will contact you as soon as possible.

What are the advantages of STATCOM over other facts devices? 

The advantages of STATCOM over other Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices include faster response times, improved voltage stability, and the ability to provide full reactive power even at low voltage levels. STATCOMs are also more compact, modular, and efficient, making them ideal for dynamic power regulation in modern grids. Unlike devices like SVCs, which use passive components, STATCOMs rely on power electronics, allowing for better control and more efficient performance in systems with varying load conditions. Additionally, they offer higher reliability and are easier to integrate into existing infrastructure.

What is STATCOM also known as?

A STATCOM, also known as Static Synchronous Compensator, is a type of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device. It operates using power electronics to regulate reactive power and stabilize voltage in electrical grids. Unlike older reactive power devices like the Static Var Compensator (SVC) which uses passive components such as capacitors and reactors, a STATCOM employs active components like Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) to offer faster and more precise control. This advanced technology allows the STATCOM to dynamically respond to voltage fluctuations, improving the overall stability and efficiency of power transmission systems.

How is STATCOM better than SVC?

STATCOM offers several advantages over SVC (Static Var Compensator). First, STATCOM provides faster response times due to its use of power electronics, allowing for more precise and dynamic voltage control. Different from SVC, which relies on passive components like capacitors and reactors, STATCOM can deliver full reactive power even at low voltage systems, making it more effective in stabilizing the grid during voltage sags. Additionally, STATCOMs are more compact and modular, offering greater flexibility for installation in limited spaces. They also have a broader operating range, better efficiency, and lower harmonic distortion compared to SVCs, making STATCOM a superior choice for modern power systems.

What is the difference between STATCOM and SVC?

The main difference between STATCOM and SVC lies in their technology performance. STATCOM (static Synchronous Compensator) uses power electronics, such as IGBTs, to provide fast and precise control of reactive power, enabling it to maintain full reactive output even at lower voltages. On the other hand, SVC (Static Var Compensator) relies on passive components like thyristor-controlled capacitors and reactors, which can lead to slower response times and reduced performance at lower voltages. Furthermore, STATCOM is more compact and modular, allowing for easier installation in space-constrained environments, while SVC systems tend to be larger and more complex. Overall, STATCOM offers better voltage regulation, faster dynamic response, and greater efficiency, particularly in modern, high-demand power grids.

What are the differences between a STATCOM, an Active Harmonic Filter (APF) and an SVG?

STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator), APF (Active Power Filter) and SVG (Static Var Generator) are devices used in power quality management in electric power systems. Although they may appear similar in that they all use power electronics technology to improve grid conditions, they have notable differences in application and functionality.

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What is a STATCOM used for?

A STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) is used to regulate voltage, improve power factor, and enhance the stability of electrical grids. It enhances grid stability, provides dynamic reactive power compensation, helping to maintain voltage levels, reduce power losses in systems connected to medium and high voltage and supports the integration of renewable energy sources.

What is the difference between STATCOM and inverter?

A STATCOM is designed specifically for power generation applications, providing reactive power to stabilize voltage levels in an electrical grid. An inverter, on the other hand, converts DC power into AC power, typically for renewable energy applications like solar or wind. While both involve power conversion, their functions and purposes differ significantly.

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