Stabilize AC grids in milliseconds and get the most out of existing infrastructure
UPFC PLUS®
Increasingly decentralized energy systems and the associated uncontrolled power flows pose new challenges for the existing, mature grid infrastructure. Thermal overloads in the lines and a growing number of cases in which frequency and voltage come critically close to acceptable range limits, or even exceed them, threaten grid stability and the transmission infrastructure, and often require costly redispatch intervention to deal with current and voltage factors. Compared to traditional power flow controllers, UPFC PLUS® controls power flow in just milliseconds. The Unified Power Flow Controller UPFC PLUS® thus stabilizes the AC grid even when critical situations develop suddenly (Grid Code N-1). That means UPFC PLUS® lets you get the most from your existing grid capacity while maintaining maximum protection, reducing the risk of power failures, and minimizing redispatch costs.
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Protection when line outages occur (N-1)
Even when sudden faults occur, UPFC PLUS® stabilizes the AC grid, offering highly efficient support for Grid Code N-1 situations affecting the existing grid infrastructure. Its Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology enables a sufficiently rapid response time of just a few milliseconds in order to prevent power failures.
Scope of application of UPFC PLUS®
The UPFC PLUS® solution is based on the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) architecture from voltage source converters (VSC) in semiconductor technology, as developed by Siemens Energy and already proven in SVC PLUS® and HVDC PLUS®.
A Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is used to control and influence the electrical energy transmitted through individual lines in intermeshed, supra-regional power networks. UPFC can therefore be used to meet specific, contractually agreed power throughputs in intermeshed grids.
The scope of application is aimed at high-voltage electricity transmission networks using three-phase AC at voltage ranges of 220 kV to 500kV, and its control functions make use of power electronics similar to the systems used in HVDC transmission. Unlike HVDC, the power electronics are not used directly for power transmission but to influence and modulate the AC current being transmitted. In power electronics, UPFC is an example of a flexible AC transmission system (FACTS).
The level site building contributes to environmental protection and ease of maintenance.
Like a traffic guidance system
Like smart traffic guidance systems, UPFC PLUS® controls the power flow via available line capacity in the AC grid.
Reducing throughput costs
Short-term, high-volume infeed of renewables often leads to costs for energy throughput via third-party grids. UPFC PLUS® directs the electricity through your own high-voltage grid.
Avoiding line overload
Unexpectedly high infeed levels from PV systems and wind turbines can cause overloads on individual lines. UPFC PLUS® directs the electricity effectively using available line capacity.
Additional information
Stay up to date with the latest news
Redirecting power in the blink of an eye
PEI | An unified power flow controller (UPFC) from Siemens Energy redirects current within milliseconds. Your solution to meet n-1 standards and to secure power supply even in hazardous events.
Enhancing grid stability in a renewable world with the unique UPFC PLUS® technology
The Magazine | German Kuhn, FACTS Product Manager at Siemens Energy discusses the advantages of the new UPFC PLUS® system for effective dynamic load flow management.
Grid stabilization to power a greener future: Siemens Energy launches UPFC PLUS®
Press Release | Siemens Energy' UPFC PLUS® improves the efficiency of today’s power grid while providing the grid stability and resilience required in the ever-changing energy landscape.
At last, an effective solution to the difficulty of dynamic load flow management
LinkedIn | Siemens Energy' UPFC provides load flow control in AC grids, reactive power compensation, and voltage support for different voltage levels, all with a fast reaction time measured in milliseconds.