SMART Power Flow Controller for Smart Grid Applications

Kalyan K. Sen, PhD, PE, MBA

IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer

See the .pdf notice here: Tutorial Feb 20 2015 Edmonton R0.

Pricing:

IEEE Members: $275

Non-Members: $375

IEEE Student Members: $150

Students Non-Members: $200 (Please contact our executive to obtain this discount)

Tutorial Abstract:

Power flow control techniques have been practiced, from using inductors, capacitors, and breakers in earlier days of Electrical Engineering to power electronics-based solutions in recent years. 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 learnt about the true needs of a utility for its everyday use and they are low installation and operating costs, component non-obsolescence, and easy relocation to adapt to changing power system’s needs. This was the motivation to develop a SMART Power Flow Controller (SPFC) whose objectives are specific (design a power flow controller that meets utilities’ needs), measurable (high reliability, high efficiency, cost-effective, component non-obsolescence, and portability), attainable (demonstrated theory by Westinghouse), relevant (efficient power grid), and timely (contemporary).

Utilities that are looking for ways to enhance the controllability in an electric power transmission system by voltage regulation, phase angle regulation, line impedance regulation, fault-current limitation, and much more should consider using a SPFC that uses functional requirements and cost-effective solutions. Even though the costs of the available solutions range from $10/kVA to $100/kVA, the basic underlying theory of power flow control is still the same as it always has been.

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 tutorial is organized in the following way:

• Part 1 (1.5 hours): A high-level overview of various power flow controllers and their features.
• Part 2 (1.5 hours): Traditional power flow controllers – voltage regulating transformer, phase angle regulator, shunt inductor/capacitor, and series inductor/capacitor; Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC).
• Part 3 (1.5 hours): VSC – 6-pulse, 12-pulse, 24-pulse, and 48-pulse harmonic neutralized VSCs.
• Part 4 (1.5 hours): Modeling and implementation of the VSC-based technology, comparison of theory, simulation, and field results; special applications of VSC-based technology; Sen Transformer.