Power Electronics Applications in Power Systems

Course Instructor: Dr. Sanjib Ganguly

Associate professor,
Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering,
IIT Guwahati
Week 5: Lecture Notes
❖ Static Var Compensator [SVC]
A group of power electronics-based compensators used for different purposes.
• In Power system traditional approach is synchronous generator or synchronous condenser
(synchronous motor).
• These are rotating devices so they need higher maintenance. So, thought of static devices
comes in.
• Due to advantage of power electronics it was possible to develop static compensator.
• There are various types of SVCs.
Bus
v(t )

Bidirectional
switch(Ideal)
Sw1 Sw2

L Q

Fig.1. Single line diagram of SVC (TCR type)

• It consists of bi-directional switches (semiconductor type) and a reactor.

• These bi-directional switches (𝑆𝑤1and 𝑆𝑤2 ) can be fully turned on or fully turned off or
partially turned on.
• The reactor draws a certain amount of reactive power from the bus to which it is connected.
Thereby, it helps in mitigating the overvoltage specifically during the light loading
condition.

Thyristor controlled Reactor (TCR)

• TCR is a type of shunt compensator.
• This is required for overvoltage mitigation during light loading.
• In TCR, the rector is a controlled reactor.

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▪ Need for a controlled reactor instead of fixed reactor?
Load continuously fluctuates throughout the day and across different seasons, causing
corresponding changes in line voltage, leading to instances of overvoltage and undervoltage.
Therefore, it is essential to mitigate both overvoltage and undervoltage. The TCR can be
controlled based on the amount of overvoltage or undervoltage in the network to operate in the
desired manner and mitigate overvoltage. However, if the reactor is fixed, severe undervoltage
may occur during peak load conditions.
Basic Operating Principle
Assumptions: The whole TCR unit is lossless.
𝑣(𝑡) = Instantaneous voltage at the particular bus to which TCR is connected
𝑖(𝑡) = The instantaneous current drawn by the TCR
𝑑𝑖(𝑡)
Applying KVL, 𝑣(𝑡) − 𝐿 =0 (1)
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑖(𝑡)
⇒ 𝑣(𝑡) = 𝐿 (2)
𝑑𝑡

Let us assume, 𝑣(𝑡) = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡 [𝑉𝑚 =Peak value of source voltage 𝑣(𝑡) and
𝜔 = Power frequency]
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Now, from Eqn (2), 𝑖(𝑡) = 𝐿 ∫ 𝑣(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 + 𝐶 [𝐶 = Arbitrary constant]
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= ∫ 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜔𝑡. 𝑑𝑡 + 𝐶
𝐿
−1
𝑖(𝑡) = 𝜔𝐿 𝑉𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡 + 𝐶 (3)

Voltage and current waveforms, when TCR unit is connected to a particular bus:

v(t ) = Vm sin t i (t )
Vm Switches are Fully ON

t

α 
i (t )
v(t ) = Vm sin t
Switches are Partially ON

t
α 

Fig. 2. Voltage and current waveforms

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Firing angle (𝛼):
• Hingorani’s book: 𝛼 is measured from peak value of system voltage waveform
𝜋
Range of 𝛼: 𝛼 ∈ [0, 2 ]
• Mathur/Verma’s book: 𝛼 is measured from zero crossing voltage instant
𝜋
Range of 𝛼: 𝛼 ∈ [ 2 , 𝜋]

𝜎 = Conduction angle i.e., the angle during which the thyristors conducts
𝜎
𝛼+2=𝜋 (4)

[Here,𝛼 is measured from peak value of system voltage waveform]

⇒ 𝜎 = 2(𝜋 − 𝛼) (5)
Here, for the following derivations, Mathur/Verma’s convention is followed (𝜶 is
measured from zero crossing voltage instant)
Boundary condition to determine the expression of "𝐶"
At 𝜔𝑡 = 𝛼; 𝑖(𝑡) = 0 [Mathur-Verma’s convention to measure 𝛼 ]
Using the boundary condition in Eqn (3),
−1
0 = 𝜔𝐿 𝑉𝑚 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 + 𝐶

𝑚 𝑉
⇒ 𝐶 = 𝜔𝐿 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 (6)

Now, substituting the value of 𝐶 from Eqn (6) in Eqn (3) we get,
−𝑉𝑚
𝑖(𝑡) = (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼) (7)
𝜔𝐿

Eqn (7) represents, the expression of current flowing through the TCR when it is operating
either in fully conducting or partially conducting or even non-conducting mode.
From Fig.2, it is observed that when the switches are fully ON, both 𝑣(𝑡) and 𝑖(𝑡) are perfectly
sinusoidal. However, when the switches are partially ON, unlike 𝑣(𝑡), the 𝑖(𝑡) is non-
sinusoidal. Moreover, in both the cases 𝑖(𝑡) is periodic.
Due to the non-sinusoidal nature of 𝑖(𝑡) , it will have harmonic contents. Thus, one of the
challenges for the partial conduction modes of TCR switches is Harmonics.
Therefore, determination of fundamental of current flowing through TCR is necessary. By
Fourier series analysis we get fundamental component of current flowing through TCR(𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 ).
Using Fourier series analysis (𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 ) = 𝑎1 cos 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑏1 sin 𝜔𝑡 (8)
𝑇
4 2𝜋𝑡 2𝜋
𝑎1 = 𝑇 ∫02 𝑓(𝑡)𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑑𝑡 [𝑇 = ] (9)
𝑇 𝜔
𝑏1 = 0 (Since 𝑆𝑤1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑤2 are symmetrically fired)

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 𝜋
4 2𝜔
𝑎1 = ∫ 𝑖(𝑡)𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜔𝑡 𝑑𝑡
2𝜋
(𝜔) 0
2𝛼 sin 2𝛼
𝑎1 = 2 − −
𝜋 𝜋
−𝑉𝑚 2𝛼 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛼
The fundamental current 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 (𝛼) = [2 − − ] (10)
𝜔𝐿 𝜋 𝜋

Plot of fundamental component current (ITCR) with 𝜶 :

 2 sin 2 
2− −
   
1 Switches are Fully ON

Switches are Fully OFF

  
2

Fig.3. Plot of fundamental component current (ITCR) with 𝛼

2𝛼 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛼
Fig.3 is plotted between [2 − − ] and 𝛼. From Fig. 3, it is observed that as the value of
𝜋 𝜋
α increases, the fundamental current flowing through the TCR decreases, which is often a
desired condition. In many scenarios, such as when there is a gradual change in load
(transitioning from light load to full load conditions), partial conduction mode of the TCR is
necessary. For instance, when the line is operating under light load conditions, the thyristor
switches should be fully turned ON. As the load increases, the value of α is increased to reduce
the amount of VAr absorbed by the TCR.
−𝑉𝑚 2𝛼 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛼
From Eqn (10), (𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 )𝑚𝑎𝑥 = [2 − − ]
𝜔𝐿 𝜋 𝜋
1 1
In the above expression, 𝜔𝐿 = 𝑋 [𝑋𝐿 : TCR reactance]
𝐿

= 𝐵𝐿 [𝐵𝐿 : TCR susceptance]

2𝛼 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝛼
Now Eqn (10), can be written as, (𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 )𝑚𝑎𝑥 = −𝑉𝑚 𝐵𝐿 [2 − − ] (11)
𝜋 𝜋

Remarks:
(i) TCR acts as a variable susceptance.
(ii)The susceptance of TCR changes with the firing angle( 𝛼).

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(iii) In addition to the fundamental, there are various harmonics exist in TCR current.

❖ Harmonic Behaviour of TCR:

Harmonic current expression can be written as,
𝑉 4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛼 cos(𝑛𝛼)−𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼sin(𝑛𝛼)
𝐼𝑛 (𝛼) = [ ] (12)
𝜔𝐿 𝜋 𝑛(𝑛2 −1)

Where, 𝑛 = 2𝐾 + 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐾 = 1,2,3 … ..

𝑛 = 3,5,7,9,11,13
• The harmonics that exist in the system are 3rd, 5th,7th, 11th, 13th
• With symmetrical firing of both the switches, we eliminate EVEN order harmonics.
3-Phase TCR:
The configuration of a 3-phase TCR unit is shown in Fig.4.
• It consists of 3 identical single phase TCR.
• 3 identical single phase TCRs are usually connected in DELTA.

➢ The reactors are splitted into identical two halves in each limb of the 3 phase TCR as
shown in Fig.4. This is done in order to have:
𝑑𝑖
• (𝑑𝑡) protection
• Preventing any of the switches to get exposed to full supply voltage.

L L
2 2
iCA ( t )
3-phase supply
L
L
iAB ( t ) 2
2
iBC ( t )
L L
B 2 2

Fig.4. Configuration of a 3 phase TCR unit

➢ It is usually connected in delta

• to supress 3rd harmonic current in line.
3rd and Triplen harmonic current in 3- phase TCR
𝑖𝐴𝐵3 (𝑡) = 𝐼3 cos(3𝜔𝑡 + 3ϕ) (13)
2𝜋
𝑖𝐵𝐶3 (𝑡) = 𝐼3 cos (3𝜔𝑡 + 3ϕ − 3 × ) = 𝑖𝐴𝐵3 (𝑡) (14)
3

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 4𝜋
𝑖𝐶𝐴3 (𝑡) = 𝐼3 cos (3𝜔𝑡 + 3𝜙 − 3 × ) = 𝑖𝐴𝐵3 (𝑡) (15)
3

From Eqn (13), (14) and (15) 𝑖𝐴𝐵3 (𝑡) = 𝑖𝐵𝐶3 (𝑡)=𝑖𝐶𝐴3 (𝑡)
3rd harmonic currents currents are identical and they are of same phase. Thus, they are
additive.This is true for any triplen harmonic.
• Triplen harmonic components are in same phase.
• So, they will be circulating in delta and will not appears across the line.
5th Harmonic in 3-phase TCR
𝑖𝐴𝐵5 (𝑡) = 𝐼5 𝑐𝑜𝑠(5𝜔𝑡 + 5𝜙) (16)
2𝜋 4𝜋
𝑖𝐵𝐶5 (𝑡) = 𝐼5 cos (5𝜔𝑡 + 5𝜙 − 5 × ) = 𝐼5 cos (5𝜔𝑡 + 5ϕ − ) (17)
3 3

2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑖𝐶𝐴5 (𝑡) = 𝐼5 cos (5𝜔𝑡 + 5𝜙 + 5 × ) = 𝐼5 cos (5𝜔𝑡 + 5𝜙 − ) (18)
3 3

• 5th Harmonics currents results in change of phase sequence with respect to

fundamental.
• Thus, it will rotate in reverse direction than fundamental component.
• In power system we call is negative phase sequence.
• Same will be true for any (6𝑝 + 5)𝑡ℎ order harmonic. Where 𝑝 = 0,1,2,3 … ..
(5th, 11th, 17th…………)
7th Harmonics in 3-phase TCR
𝑖𝐴𝐵7 (𝑡) = 𝑎7 𝑐𝑜𝑠(7𝜔𝑡 + ϕ7 ) (19)
2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑖𝐵𝐶7 (𝑡) = 𝐼7 cos (7𝜔𝑡 + ϕ7 − 7 ∗ ) = 𝐼7 cos (7𝜔𝑡 + ϕ7 − ) (20)
3 3

2𝜋 2𝜋
𝑖𝐶𝐴7 (𝑡) = 𝐼7 cos (7𝜔𝑡 + ϕ7 + 7 ∗ ) = 𝐼7 cos (7𝜔𝑡 + ϕ7 + ) (21)
3 3

• 7th Harmonics have similar phase shift to fundamental which results in positive phase
sequence.
• Same is true for (6𝑝 + 1)𝑡ℎ order harmonics Where 𝑝 = 0,1,2,3 … ..
(7th, 13th, 19th…………)
Harmonic Elimination from TCR
To eliminate dominant harmonics special filters are designed and that’s why TCR always
gets associated with filter as shown in Fig.5.

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 Bus (220 kV / 400kV / 765kV )
Y Step down
transformer

LowVoltage Bus
L LC
2 Filter Fix
Capacitor

L
2

Fig.5. Schematic of single line diagram of 3-phase TCR

Equivalent circuit for 3-phase TCR model

The equivalent circuits of a 3-phase TCR model without step-down transformer and with step-
down transformer are shown in Fig.6 and Fig.7, respectively. The TCR unit is represented as a
variable susceptance that can be varied by varying the firing angle 𝛼.
V
Bus V
Bus

B
ITCR
BTCR

ITCR
LC Filter BTCR

Fig.6. Equivalent circuit for TCR Fig.7. Equivalent circuit for TCR
(without step-down transformer) (with step-down transformer)

𝐵𝜎 : suceptance of the step-down transformer

𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 : suceptance of the TCR unit

❖ Operating Characteristics of TCR

Considering Fig.6, we can write 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 = 𝑉 . 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 (22)
[ where 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 : Susceptance of TCR
𝑉: Voltage at the bus where TCR is placed
𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 : Current drawn by the TCR]

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 1 1
𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 = 𝑗𝑋 = −𝑗 (𝑋 ) [𝑋𝑇𝐶𝑅 : Reactance of TCR]
𝑇𝐶𝑅 𝑇𝐶𝑅

Convention: (i) Current drawn by a reactor is considered to be positive.

(ii) Current drawn by a capacitor is considered to be negative.
Let us consider that the rated susceptance of the reactor is 𝐵𝐿 .
𝜋
𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 = 𝐵𝐿 , when the switches fully conduct. (which corresponds to 𝛼 = )
2
𝜋
The value of 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 , when 2 < 𝛼 < 𝜋 can be determined as follows:

As we know (From Fig.3), the fundamental current drawn by the TCR decreases with the
increase of 𝛼 .
Let us assume the V remains constant.
𝐼
From Eqn (22), 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 = ( 𝑇𝐶𝑅 ) (23)
𝑉

From Eqn (23), it can be said that, the magnitude of 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 gets reduced with 𝛼 (𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 reduces
with 𝛼 ) which can be observed in Fig.8.

BTCR

It shows the TCR can be modelled as a

variable susceptance


 
2
(Full conduction)  (Zero conduction)

Fig.8. Control characteristics of TCR susceptance 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅

V-I Characteristics of TCR:

From Eqn (22), 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 = −𝑉 . 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅
[As 𝐵𝑇𝐶𝑅 is negative, negative sign is used to make 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 positive]
From Fig.2, when 𝛼 = 𝜋, 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 = 0,

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 VTCR  
=
 = 2
Switches are fully ON
Switches are fully OFF
BTCR = 0 BTCR = BL
Maximum Production Maximum Absorption
limit limit

ITCR
Fig.9. Plot of 𝑉𝑇𝐶𝑅 𝑣𝑠 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅

As we know, the equation for a straight line can be written as 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥

1
In Fig. 9, 𝑦 = 𝑉𝑇𝐶𝑅 , 𝑥 = 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 and 𝑚 = 𝐵
𝑇𝐶𝑅

From Fig.2, when 𝛼 = 𝜋, 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 = 0, ⇒ 𝑚 = ∞

• From Fig. 9, it is observed that, the 𝑉𝑇𝐶𝑅 − 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 characteristics is shifted from maximum
𝜋
absorption limit to the maximum production limit when 𝛼 is increased from 2 to 𝜋
respectively.
• The maximum production limit for TCR shows that 𝐼𝑇𝐶𝑅 is always 0, which implies to the
fact that TCR can’t produce/deliver reactive power.
• To shift the maximum production limit to a nonzero value there should have reactive
power generating source for example capacitor.
• Without capacitor, TCR can only act as variable reactive power absorber. The variation of
the reactive power absorption can be controlled with the control of firing angle (𝛼) of the
switches.