GE

Grid Solutions

Static Synchronous Compensator

(STATCOM) Solutions

imagination at work
Today’s Environment GE’s Solution
Todays transmission grid is changing and becoming more complex to GE’s utility grade Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) solution is a
manage, utilities globally are experiencing grid challenges such as: custom designed system to be installed on transmission grids. It provides
• Increase in global demand for electricity grid operators with reactive power compensation and improved range of
operational voltage with a faster response time and a smaller footprint than
• Thermal plant retirements coupled with an increase in renewable
generation, often remote from load centers traditional Static Var Compensator (SVC) solutions.

• Stringent requirements by regulatory authorities on power quality A shunt connected STATCOM system is able to generate capacitive or
• Interconnected grids inductive output current independent of the AC system voltage. STATCOM
• Aging transmission infrastructure solutions can help utilities achieve the following:

These challenges can make power flow stability more complex for network
Increase system stability and power quality by providing:
operators to manage with stability issues under fault clearing and post-fault
conditions. • Voltage control and support
• Reactive power control
The increase in load demand and renewable integration combined with
• Power oscillation damping
aging infrastructure can cause voltage on the grid to fluctuate. The grid
• Power transfer capacity increase
is also experiencing other issues including harmonics, flicker phenomena,
unbalanced loads and power oscillations which can impact power quality
Grid code compliant renewable integration by providing:
and power transfer capability.
• Fault ride through support
Additionally, the ability to implement a more flexible solution is highly desired
• Voltage control and support
as utilities today are facing a highly dynamic grid, which requires solutions
that can accommodate more drastic changes than in the past.

Did you know ?

GE introduced the world’s first chain
link power electronics technology in
1997 adopted by all suppliers

2 GEGridSolutions.com
GE’s STATCOM Solution
GE’s STATCOM solution leverages Voltage-Source Converter (VSC) technology Key features of the STATCOM system include:
based on Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) architecture, from GE’s robust
• Usually connected to High Voltage (HV) grid via a step down power
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) design. The solution is an open-rack
transformer
structure, where the valve is located inside a building making the accessibility
• Always a symmetrical power rating in the inductive and capacitive
and any required maintenance significantly easier than containerized solutions.
operating regions
The uniqueness of GE’s solution is the larger DC capacitance, a re-usable
• Hybrid STATCOM solutions available for increased power rating including:
by-pass switch and industry leading Model-Based design STATCOM control
platform. -- Thyristor Switched Components,
-- Mechanically Switched components
Utilizing highly dynamic VSC based compensators, which when compared to
SVC solutions, provides improved range of operational voltage, with higher -- or Static Var Compensator ( SVC)
reactive output at lower system voltage and robust recovery support under • Reduced footprint compared to a classical SVC solution
severe system disturbances and provides a smaller footprint.

The relatively low frequency switching of the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor
(IGBT) provides the performance of high frequency switching when used in
a modular multi-level configuration, while maintaining low power loses. This
switching may result in distortion at the switching frequency which can be
mitigated with a High Frequency (HF) Filter. The amount of distortion is not
always significant, which means the HF Filter is an optional configuration.

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Static Synchronous Compensator – The GE Advantage
GE’s latest STATCOM solution leverages and builds upon GE’s global history of voltage-sourced converter technology and robust HVDC valve design.

GE provides an extensive portfolio of feasibility and network studies, project management skills, engineering capabilities, equipment, installation services and
long term maintenance contracts, delivering an integrated and robust system providing utilities with the following competitive advantages:

Industry's only Model-Based Design Control System

• Model-Based design provides rapid technical responsiveness to the customer, from

planning support and project execution to commissioning
• Intuitive graphical interface provides fast, automatic, and error free code generation
from control models, ensuring a greater level of confidence to the customer
• Ease of integration to control system software with power system modelling tools
such as PSCAD, providing the most accurate representation of system performance
for planning and troubleshooting analysis
• Advanced Digital Control based on open VPX offers future-proof higher control
execution speed with higher controller-internal (backplane) data rates, and scale up
without sacrificing speed
• Supported components/technologies are the same state-of-the art used
in commercial applications – with wider knowledge community, support,
documentation. The physical size of VPX rack is half the size of the VME

System flexibility to ensure optimized performance

• Open rack structure including unique modular valve design that facilitates a safe
and clean maintenance environment, including individual access to control cards,
DC capacitors and rechargeable bypass switch providing easier access and higher
availability than containerized solutions
• Based on large scale HVDC VSC valve design principles and standards, utilizing
the most advanced MMC architecture with system redundancy through the valve,
cooling system, P&C and passive optical network communication system
• DC capacitor is rated 2 to 3 times higher than competitive offerings, leading to much
improved system performance during transient events and fault ride through capacity

Manufacturing excellence and deep domain technical expertise

• Over 50 years' experience with over 380 global shunt compensation installations,
including 17 STATCOM references, ranging from small industrial to large utility
projects, in diverse applications and extreme environmental conditions
• GE supports the entire value chain with a full range of competencies, eliminating
project and logistical complexities of multiple vendor projects
• Valves are produced in our state-of-the-art HVDC facility that is specifically designed
for manufacturing and testing of VSC technology
• All major STATCOM components are vertically integrated within advanced
manufacturing facilities, certified to ISO 9001:2015 Environmental Standards, ISO
4001 and OHSAS 18001

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GE’s Advanced Digital Control for STATCOM Systems
GE’s approach to STATCOM control systems represent the latest in design methodology by utilizing a powerful Model-Based Design approach. With this approach
the STATCOM control system software is built using a core library of complex control algorithms that represents over 50 years of FACTS experience within GE,
key features include:

Graphical Interface Secure Remote Access

Model-Based Design utilizes a graphical interface for the design stage and The control system can be remotely accessed via internet using secured
translation of control models with automatic code generation for all testing protocol. It allows remote monitoring (using the built-in real-time monitoring
and verification stages. With this approach, GE has enhanced the quality, function) and fault detection including diagnostic. To fulfill modern remote
reliability, and maintainability of the Advanced Digital Control system for control interfacing requirements, the control platform supports an extensive
STATCOMs. set of industry standard protocols including IEC® 61850, DNP3 and IEC
60870. Custom protocols can be implemented as an option.

Built-in Monitoring, Self Diagnostics & Event Logger Proven Technology

Extensive self diagnostic capabilities are built-in to maximize reliability, any Based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, the control platform runs
degradation of performances or fault of components is pinpointed in real- on VPX military technology and meets all the requirements of the Flexible
time and can be easily replaced. When availability is at stake, the control AC Transmission System (FACTS) market. Depending on the application
system is configured in a dual lane redundancy concept which allows for complexity, the control platform consists of single or multiple racks,
the highest availability. A built-in event logger with automatic time stamping interconnected by high speed serial fiber optic interfaces. The fiber optic
of 1 millisecond resolution and a synchronized transient fault recorder with interface enables the boards in different racks to communicate with each
up to 10µs sampling will allow for post event detailed analysis by experts. other as if they were installed in the same rack without any software change.

Control Software Advantages of Model-Based Design

The platform’s software now leverages entirely new state-of-the-art • Programming and customization of control functions is simplified by the
features and technology. Using model-based design, real-time algorithms use of a graphical programming interface
are deployed to speed up development and reduce software design errors
• Testing and verification of the control system at the design stage starts
in the early stages of development.
early using real-time control models in closed loop with the STATCOM
power electronics and the power grid
• Simulation environment uses real-time control models providing the most
accurate representation of control performance. The control models
can be easily exported to PSCAD™ or similar tools with one-to-one
representation for further testing and simulations
• Automatic code generation allows direct conversion of graphical control
models into real-time control software, eliminating the manual “coding
stage”, resulting in improved quality and reliability
• Complete traceability of customer requirements throughout the control
model provides easy and efficient way for software modifications and new
feature implementation at any stage of the project
• Model-Based Design approach adopted by GE has already revolutionized
the development approach for critical control software in aviation,
space and automotive industries, resulting in significant improvement in
software quality for critical and life-supporting applications

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Modular Multilevel Converter Valves By controlling the magnitude of the voltage waveform produced by the
voltage sourced converter, and by maintaining synchronism with system
Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM) consist of a voltage source voltage, the reactive power output of the STATCOM can be either zero,
converter (VSC) connected to the grid by phase reactors and a step-up inductive, or capacitive as shown below:
transformer. STATCOMs use Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) in a
modular multi-level converter (MMC) configuration. The STATCOM generates Vs VL = 0 Vc
or absorbs reactive power by producing a controlled voltage waveform.
I=0
V Vs
Basic Principles of Operation Vc t
Vc STATCOM in standby mode
VL = 0 with zero current output.
The STATCOM system is shunt connected to the transmission grid. There are I=0 Vs When VSC voltage equal
in magnitude to system
voltage transformers (VTs) in the STATCOM that measure the voltage of the If Vc= Vs , then I = 0
voltage
grid. The Advanced Digital Control (ADC) takes the VT input and controls the
individual sub-modules, so that they produce a voltage waveform that is either:
Vs VL Vc
• The same as the system, when there are no grid issues
• Lower in magnitude than the system, making the STATCOM act as an I
inductive device and absorbing reactive power from the grid V Vs
• Higher in magnitude than the system, making the STATCOM act as a Vc Vc VL STATCOM in Inductive
t mode with lagging current
capacitive device and generating reactive power to the grid
I Vs output. When VSC voltage
Ultimately the STATCOM continually monitors the grid voltage and constantly smaller in magnitude than
If Vc< Vs , then I is inductive
adjusts its reactive power output in response to system disturbances and system voltage
thus improves grid stability.
Vs VL Vc

SW1 SW3 +Vdc I

+
V Vc
Vdc
I V s VL STATCOM in Capacitive
Vs t
SW2 SW4 -Vdc mode with leading current
Vc output. When VSC voltage
greater in magnitude than
If Vc> Vs , then I is capacitive
Fig. 1 - Typical full bridge valve sub-module and its output waveform system voltage

Figure 1 above illustrates how the controlled switching of the IGBT valves GE’s STATCOM configuration uses 8 sub-modules within each module, which
in a single sub-module creates the basic three-level waveform that the are the basic building blocks of the STATCOM design. As shown below, this
STATCOM uses to control the reactive power contribution to the grid. When configuration produces a nearly ideal sinusoidal-shaped waveform. The
multiple such sub-modules are connected in series, as shown in Fig. 2, you relatively low switching frequencies of the valve provides lower system
can see how the voltage waveform can be built up with better resolution to losses and little or no high frequency filtering is required.
deliver improved performance, higher rating and enhanced controllability
of the STATCOM.

+8Vdc

-8Vdc
Fig. 2 - Multiple sub-module operation and resulting waveform

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An unrivaled DC voltage source for a better STATCOM
The function of a STATCOM system is to provide reactive compensation to the grid when it is needed most, during fault and transient conditions. GE’s STATCOM
solution is the only commercial solution that uses a 7mF capacitor as its DC voltage source for stabilizing the grid, nearly 2 to 3 times larger than competing
solutions.

Operational Advantage of the GE STATCOM Solution Typical STATCOM Solution

The operational advantages of this design decision can be clearly seen in By contrast, the performance as modelled on a smaller, 3.5mF capacitor is
the two figures below. When a three phase fault is introduced just after 0.2 substantially less stable. The STATCOM current contribution is significantly
seconds, the STATCOM current contribution with the larger, 7mF capacitor impacted and never stabilizes during the entire duration of the fault (100ms),
is nearly perfect, resuming it’s steady state current profile within 25ms of and then goes through another 50ms of undesirable transient overshoots.
fault inception. Such transients, contrary to the objective of the STATCOM, produces more
instability during and after the fault conditions.
Using a larger capacitance provides more stored energy, delivering better
fault ride through capability by delivering stable full current for a longer time
duration.

Behaviour of GE’s STATCOM Solution with 7mF capacitor Behaviour of Typical STATCOM Solution with 3.5mF capacitor

Impact on DC Voltage
Significant improvements in transient performance of the DC voltage can also be achieved with the larger capacitor. Having a bigger capacitance provides more
inertia in the DC bus, accepting greater phase difference between the valve and the grid system voltage. This enables the ability to absorb or deliver some active
power due to this phase difference without significantly sagging the DC voltage, thus improving the performance in transient conditions.

The design decision also provides benefits in the long-term operational performance, and life-cycle cost, of the STATCOM.

As can be seen in the DC voltage ripple below, the larger capacitor provides a smaller ripple, meaning the GE system can work at higher nominal voltage, in
some cases up to 10% more than competitive solutions. The smaller capacitor solutions will experience increased voltage swings, potentially causing capacitor
insulation damage and shortened operational life as compared to the larger capacitor.

Impact on voltage with GE’s STATCOM Solution with 7mF capacitor Impact on voltage with Typical STATCOM Solution with 3.5mF capacitor

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Flexible Hybrid STATCOMs

Hybrid STATCOM with additional dynamic capacity

The GE STATCOM system is modular in design and can be dynamically scaled by adding additional STATCOM units or by adding thyristor switched components
to increase the capacitive or inductive dynamic rating of the system.

Full Dynamic Rating

Applications where dynamic performance is required across the full system rating can be achieved either by installing a pure STATCOM solution, which is
symmetric in rating, or through a hybrid design with thyristor switched elements, which allow non-symmetric dynamic ratings.

For conditions where fast and dynamic response is necessary but the grid requirements are highly non-symmetric, a hybrid solution with a STATCOM and
thyristor switched components proves to be most efficient. Additional Thyristor Switched Capacitors (TSC) or Thyristor Switched Reactors (TSR) can be added
to GE’s STATCOM system with seamless and unified control systems. This solution provides a loss optimized and cost-effective solution for any type of reactive
power needs.

STATCOM + TSC + TSR STATCOM + TSC STATCOM + TSR

V V V

I (Capacitive) I (Inductive) I (Capacitive) I (Inductive) I (Capacitive) I (Inductive)

V-I Curve of Hybrid STATCOM V-I Curve of Hybrid STATCOM V-I Curve of Hybrid STATCOM
A combination of Thyristor Switched Capacitors Thyristor Switched Capacitors can add non- Thyristor Switched Reactors can add non-
(TSC) and Reactors (TSR) can add additional symmetric capacitive dynamic capacity (green) to symmetric inductive dynamic capacity (green) to
dynamic capacity (green) to the STATCOM (blue) the STATCOM (blue) the STATCOM (blue)

Hybrid STATCOM solution with

TSC and TSR

Using thyristor switched devices to increase the

inductive or capacitive rating of the STATCOM is
a cost effective approach for adding additional
dynamic capacity, or for increasing the non-
symmetric rating of the STATCOM to support the
grid requirements.

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Hybrid STATCOM with additional steady-state capacity
With the GE STATCOM, a combination of dynamic and steady-state ratings can be achieved with one or more STATCOM units and mechanically switched reactive
elements as needed. This type of configuration is suitable when a dynamic reserve is desired as part of the STATCOM solution, but additional reactive capacity
is needed for slow response compensation such as load flow changes and can be served by mechanically switched elements.

Dynamic and Steady-State Rating

With GE’s Hybrid STATCOM solution, theoretical unlimited scalability can be achieved with additional mechanically switched elements that are located local or
remote to the STATCOM substation. This solution allows unsymmetrical ratings of the hybrid solution allowing flexibility to configure the system according to grid
requirements. Control coordination of the hybrid solution is robust with accurate control of reactive power and load flows in the transmission grid.

Using mechanically switched devices to increase the inductive or capacitive rating of the STATCOM is a cost effective approach for adding additional steady-
state capacity, or for increasing the non-symmetric rating of the STATCOM to support the grid requirements.

STATCOM + MSC + MSR STATCOM + MSC STATCOM + MSR

V V

I (Capacitive) I (Inductive) I (Capacitive) I (Inductive) I (Capacitive) I (Inductive)

V-I Curve of Hybrid STATCOM V-I Curve of Hybrid STATCOM V-I Curve of Hybrid STATCOM
A combination of Mechanically Switched Mechanically Switched Capacitors (MSC) can Mechanically Switched Reactors (MCR) can
Capacitors (MSC) and Reactors (MCR) can add add capacitive steady-state capacity (red) to the add inductive steady-state capacity (red) to the
additional steady-state capacity (red) to the STATCOM (blue) STATCOM (blue)
STATCOM (blue)

Hybrid STATCOM solution with

MSC and MSR

Using mechanically switched devices to increase

the inductive or capacitive rating of the STATCOM
is a cost effective approach for adding additional
steady-state capacity or for increasing non-
symmetric rating of the STATCOM to support the
grid requirements.

GEGridSolutions.com 9
Project Management and Execution Global Capabilities
The GE project team represents unsurpassed worldwide power system GE provides engineering excellence to design and deliver complete reactive
engineering capabilities, comprehensive system design expertise, and compensation projects tailored to each customer’s requirements and needs.
unequalled project management experience. GE delivers highly reliable
Providing dedicated engineering teams that are located in regions around the
solutions that fully meet the customers power system requirements. With
world, GE’s subject matter experts bring a wealth of international experience
each reactive compensation project GE undertakes, this team is committed
to every project. Customers benefit from GE’s local systems subject matter
to delivering 100% satisfaction.
experts who are able to drive and comply with regional/local requirements
ensuring the customers business and technical objectives are met.

Expertise
GE’s experienced project managers have access to industry leading Post Installation Service
project tools and processes to execute projects on-time and on budget.
GE’s commitment to customer satisfaction is a primary goal – just because
GE’s engineering teams have advanced internal design tools that provide
the project is complete, our job is not done. A primary responsibility is
customers with the most robust and proven designs to ensure a fully
continued support of the implemented system throughout its lifecycle.
executed system with the highest level of quality and reliability.
Offering an extensive network of field engineering locations and service
GE’s Energy Consulting works with customers to understand the overall
centers around the world, GE is uniquely capable of responding immediately
system and project objectives. Through comprehensive analysis and studies
to urgent situations that may arise once the equipment is placed in service.
the team develops the optimal, most cost effective technology solution
Customers are provided with 24/7 field and application call center support.
based on customers requirements.

Project Process and Key Activities

GE’s project management approach follows a well-established set of processes and procedures that have resulted in the highest on-time delivery in the industry.
GE has the people, process and rigor that customers require for the planning and execution of complex projects, including defined processes for the definition,
analysis, design, implementation and post service support that is required for successful projects.

Definition Analysis Design Implementation Support &

Services

• Customer System • Project Feasibility and • Compensation System • Customer Project • Final Documentation
Planning & Studies Justification Configuration Communication Plan and Training
• Load Flow Analysis • Preliminary System • Protection • Dedicated Engineering • Finalize Maintenance
• Transmission Planning Requirements • Automation Assigned and Services Plan
Studies (Mvar, Protective • Project & Quality • Establish Customer
Requirements, • Communications
• Impact Studies Management Plan 1 800 Support Phone
Performance) • HMI Number 24/7
• Reliability and • Detailed Project
• Draft Project • Database System Schedule with Critical • Spares Verification and
Economic Analysis Specification Design Path Identified Planning
• Preliminary Division of • Bill of Materials • Procurement Planning • Punch List Items
Responsibility (DOR) and and Supplier Validation
Supplier Identification • Drafting • Customer Acceptance
• Test Plan Development • Commissioning • Establishment of
• Schedule and Scope of
Work Needs Identified • Commissioning Plan Warranty
• Business Case and Development
Budgetary Estimates
• RFI or RFP Review and
Issuance

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Energy Consulting
GE has a dedicated staff of consultants that provide engineering, technical support and expertise to the electrical power industry to support Flexible AC
Transmission Systems (FACTS) projects worldwide.  Below are details of the support and services GE provides its customers.

Electric Power Industry Final System Design

Support Activities (Post Award)
GE’s technical subject matter experts, GE’s subject matter experts work seamlessly
contribute towards advancements in the with customers to finalize the system and
electric power industry through supporting equipment design to meet the customer’s
the following activities: system requirements. In this stage we:

• Deliver industry-leading technology • Finalize system studies

webinars answering the most pressing • Develop protective relays settings,
challenges related to reactive power
• Specify control and operation coordination for integration
• Specialized instruction through its Power Systems & Energy Course (PSEC) into existing systems
including:
• Finalize equipment design and sizing studies
-- Surge Analysis and Equipment Application
• Generate equipment specifications
-- Reactive Power Compensation and Voltage Control
-- Power System Dynamics
-- Power Electronic Applications in Transmission
Implementation and Testing
• Participation in standards committees such as IEEE® and IEC® During the project implementation phase,
GE is focused on executing on the agreed
• Authoring of technical papers that are published and presented at
design with the customer to meet the
numerous industry conferences
project requirements. Activities include:

• Integration of new equipment with

Preliminary System Analysis existing equipment
and Solution Definition • Definition of, and participation in, type
(Pre-RFP Support) testing, factory acceptance testing and field testing

GE works with customers to understand • Commissioning support including highly trained field engineer
and site technical advisory support
the overall system and project objectives
through comprehensive analysis and • On-site and off-site specialized system training
studies developing the optimal, most cost
effective technology solution. Examples of
the types of studies include: Project Support
GE’s commitment to customer satisfaction
• Load Flow Study
is a primary goal – just because the project
• Transient Stability Study
is complete, the job is not . A primary
• Voltage Profile responsibility is continued support of
• Auto-Reclosing Requirements the implemented system throughout its
lifecycle. GE provides:
• Overload Requirements
• Swing Current Analysis • Incident analysis and troubleshooting
support
• Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) Analysis
• System recovery services
• Equipment Sizing (Amps, Ohms, MJ, Mvar)
• Equipment upgrades and retrofits to meet changing system needs
• Development of Project Specification Document
• Harmonic analysis
• Feasibility study

GEGridSolutions.com 11
For more information about
GE’s STATCOM Systems visit
GEGridSolutions.com/facts.htm

GE

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Atlanta, GA 30339 USA

1-877-605-6777 (toll free in North America)

1-678-844-6777 (direct number)

GEGridSolutions.com

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