Power flow control techniques have been practiced, from using inductors, capacitors, transformers and load tap changers in the earlier days of electrical engineering to power electronics-based solutions in recent years. Even though the costs of the available solutions vary widely, the basic underlying theory of power flow control is still the same as it always has been. The question is which solution one should employ. The answer depends on knowing what the true need is. The power industry’s pressing need for the most economical ways to transfer bulk power along a desired path may be met by building new transmission lines, which is a long and costly process. Alternately, it may be quicker and cheaper to utilize the existing transmission lines more efficiently. The key is to identify the underutilized transmission lines and harness their dormant capacity to increase the power flows to the lines’ thermal limits.

Since the commissioning of the first commercial power electronics-based Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) controller two decades ago, a great deal has been learned about the true needs of a utility for its everyday use and they are high reliability, high efficiency, low installation and operating costs, component non-obsolescence, fast enough response for utility applications, high power density, interoperability, and easy relocation to adapt to changing power system’s needs while providing the optimal power flow control capability. This was the motivation to develop a SMART Power Flow Controller (SPFC) that enhances the controllability in an electric power transmission system by using functional requirements and cost-effective solutions.

The presentation is designed to provide the basic principles of power flow control theory, an overview of the most commonly used power flow controllers, and future trends. The presentation will be of particular interest to all utility power engineering professionals. The required background is an equivalent of an Electrical Engineering degree with familiarity in power engineering terminology. The audience will hear from an expert who actually designed and commissioned a number of power electronics-based FACTS controllers since its inception in the 1990s.

Speaker(s): Kalyan,

Location:
Room: Aud E/W
Bldg: CHQ
1221 W Idaho Street
Boise, Idaho
83702