SVC PLUS Frequency Stabilizer

SVC PLUS (STATCOM) Frequency Stabilizer®

As the infeed of power from renewable sources continues to replace conventional synchronous power generation, the grid frequency is becoming more sensitive due to the reduced amount of rotating machines. Now grid operators are faced with the challenge of providing sufficient system inertia in their synchronous generators with high rotating masses to stabilize the grid. Because renewables have little to no inertia, and can’t be used for frequency stabilization, other solutions are needed.

By using a bulk number of supercapacitors, the new SVC PLUS Frequency Stabilizer® (SVC PLUS FS®) is a cost-efficient, compact solution that can emulate system inertia by boosting high active power into the grid when needed. It also offers voltage support by means of reactive power compensation.

While grids are undergoing fundamental changes in terms of power generation, renewable infeed and ever-growing demand, power quality and dynamic grid stability are at risk due to less synchronous power generation.

The grid frequency is balanced to 50 Hz or 60 Hz by parity of power demand and generation. The frequency must be kept within specific limits, even in the event of an imbalance: for example, from a disturbance. After a fault, the frequency can only be stabilized by an inertial response from generator-turbine sets. The mechanical kinetic energy defines the frequency drop after disturbance until the operating reserve is activated after several seconds by the primary frequency reserve (PFR). Fewer rotating machines result in shrinking instantaneous reserves, which increases the risk of exceeding critical frequency levels. This may lead to load rejection or a blackout. Grid operators are forced to keep power plants in operation in order to preserve the instantaneous reserve or to optionally invest in additional primary reserve. Some source of fast frequency response (FFR) is urgently needed to cover the gap between inertial response and operating reserves.

Combining SVC PLUS® (Modular multilevel STATCOM) and supercapacitors that allow +/–50 MW of active power output/input for up to several seconds, SVC PLUS FS® is an ideal tool for fast frequency response in the first few seconds of a major grid disturbance. While the STATCOM part provides inductive or capacitive reactive power of +/-70Mvar with a the step response of less than 50ms, the electrical energy in the super-capacitors is boosted into the grid in order to secure the grid from load shedding or blackout.

In challenging times like ours, grid operators need versatile resources that give them options not only to react, but to act proactively, as depicted in the usecases/applications above. At that, with SVC PLUS FS®, operators can be sure of a reliable, economical and space-saving solution with many advantages in terms of response time, control accuracy, and economic impact.

Have a closer look at the SVC PLUS FS®: 3D Experience

While every power grid and every large industrial consumer has specific challenges in terms of power quality, active and reactive power compensation, and grid stability, our customized SVC PLUS FS® turnkey solutions answer these challenges from a single source, including customized consulting.

From technical clarifications to on-site support and turnkey solutions, our service portfolio helps you optimize your assets and their performance throughout their entire service life – with comprehensive solutions from just one provider.