User-Defined Modeling of Static Var Compensation

for Electromechanical Transient Simulation in PSS/E

Yuchuan Chen, Lin Zhu, Huanhuan Yang, Zexiang Cai, Sha Li
School of Electric Power, South China University of Technology
Guangzhou, China, 510640
e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract—PSS/E is the power system simulation software transient simulation which is high efficiency and more
that widely used on North American, and possesses powerful suitable for some situations. Although all of the 5 SVCs
user-defined function. The static var compensator (SVC) is an models in PSS/E are belong to constant voltage control, its
important device for reactive power compensation. The CSVGN5 powerful user-defined function makes implement any kind of
SVC, which is ready-made in PSS/E and widely used in western SVC simulation modeling possible.
United States, and a modified SVC which is referenced the model But the introductions of PSS/E’s user-defined modeling
in BPA, are built by means of user-defined function in PSS/E. in existing literatures [6-8] are mostly for excitation system,
Through the comparison of dynamic simulation results, the and the study of the user-defined function in PSS/E is in the
correctness and practicability of the proposed user-defined SVC stage of basic research, as for other models, scarcely
model is validated. mentioned. User-defined modeling function is particularly
Index Terms—PSS/E, reactive compensation, SVC, transient important in the power system simulation since any power
simulation, user-defined modeling system simulation software can't catch up with the complexity
I. INTRODUCTION and diversity of practical models such as SVC. Therefore, this
article will introduce the user-defined function in PSS/E, the
Compared with traditional capacitor, SVC is a widely
characteristics of SVCs that ready-made in this software, and
used dynamic reactive power compensation device, which
take one of them for example, introduce the user-defined
changes the impedance characteristics by controlling thyristor
modeling function in PSS/E detailedly. Then compare the
switch, so as to provide requisite amount of reactive power
simulation output of the user-defined SVC and SVC that
[1−5]. However, the control mode of SVC covers high side
ready-made in the software to verify the exactness of
constant voltage control, low side constant voltage control,
user-defined model. At the same time, accomplish a modified
constant reactive power control and constant power factor
SVC whose input involves an auxiliary signal that partly
control. Even different manufacturer implements the same
based on the control block in BPA, then load the model to a
control mode through different methods. Plus, Many SVC
power system and compare the simulation output by the SVCs
models also contain an auxiliary signal in the input, and the
that mentioned above to verify the practicability and
sources of the auxiliary signal are not identical. Therefore, the
effectiveness of the user-defined functions in PSS/E. The
ready-made SVCs in commonly used software of power
user-defined method introduced in this paper can be taken as a
system such as BPA or PSCAD has its own shortcomings and
reference for modeling of other models, e.g. HVDC
cannot meet the above requirements: there is no user-defined
transmission system, flexible ac transmission system (FACTS)
function and only one kind of SVC model which is constant
and dynamic load model in PSS/E in the later research.
voltage control in BPA, and PSCAD is the electromagnetic
transient simulation software which uses short time constant, II. THE INTRODUCTION OF MODEL AND CONTROL MODE
is time consuming. OF THE SVC
1
PSS/E is the analysis software developed by PTI which Take the 5 SVCs in PSS/E for example: they all represent
is designed for transmission system. Compared with BPA an SCR-controlled shunt reactor and a parallel connected
which in the lack of a user-defined function and PSCAD capacitor. CSVGN1，CSVGN3 and CSVGN4 maintain the
which has the problem of low efficiency, PSS/E possesses voltage level and reduce the voltage error by comparing the
powerful user-defined function, and uses electromechanical voltage measured at bus and the referenced voltage, then
output an admittance signal after a series of control, so as to
This work was supported by the National High Technology Research and
Development Program (“863” Program) of China (2012AA050209) and
control the output or absorption of the reactive power. The
National Natural Science Foundation of China (51407079). features of CSVGN5 and CSVGN6 models include a fast
CCC: 978-1-4799-7537-2/14/$31.00 ©2014 IEEE
override and remote bus voltage control functions. The fast the SVC or switching [9]. CSVGN5 control block diagram is
override is activated when the voltage error exceeds a shown in Fig.1.
threshold values during major disturbances such as faults near

∑ ∑


Figure.1 Control bock diagram of CSVGN5

Figure.2 Control block diagram of auxiliary signal in BPA

Above is the introduction of 5 kinds of SVC model that A. The role of MODE in the user-defined model
ready-made in PSS/E. Because SVCs are belong to generator
When PSS/E performs the simulations, Mode is an
model in PSS/E, so the source of the auxiliary signal Vothsg
"internal flag" in it. The MODE does not need to manually
can only come from the generator devices, such as stabilizer.
assign, the program automatically assign the value 1 to 8 to it
However, in real situation, the source of the auxiliary signals
during the simulation:
are diversified, for example, Fig.2 is the auxiliary signal
control block in BPA, and there are 6 types of source signals TABLE I. FUNCTION OF EACH MODE FLAG IN PSS/
can be inputted according to actual situation. These complex
Flag Value Significance
situations above can only be done through the user-defined
MODE 1 Initialization: calculate initial condition values of all state
function.
variables
III. THE USER-DEFINED MODELING FUNCTION OF PSSE
2 All computations needed to place time derivatives into the
In PSS/E, user-defined program contain two subroutines: DSTATE array.
CONEC and CONET, and 8 internal arrays, include CON 3 Each model must compute the present value of its output
array (store constants), the STATE array (store state and place it in the specialized array.
variables), DSTATE array (store derivative of state 4 set maximum number of integrators
variables), VAR array (store algebraic variables) and etc. 5 Write model documentation when activity DOCU is run.
When the user-defined program executes a dynamic 6 Write model input data when activity DYDA is run.
simulation, the subroutine CONEC is responsible for getting 7 Write model documentation when activity DOCU is run .
constant parameters from constant array, getting the system 8 Write the names of the constants in the user-defined
current operating conditions from the conditions array, getting module
the current value of state variables from the state array and
B. The execution flow of MODE
delivering it to the subroutine model. Then the model
subroutine calculates the differential value of each state MODE’S changing order in PSS/E is shown in the Fig.3,
variable; next, the program puts the differential value of each the main program in PSS/E implement different tasks under
state variable into differential array, returns to the main different MODE value. Taking no account of the case of
program to implement the integral calculation. MODE equal to 5, 6, 7, because they are dispensable at SVC
modeling, the execution sequence is 8, 4, 1, 3, 2 for one time,
and then the value of MODE is changing between 2 and 3
until the end of the simulation time. Set y2(t) as a state variable and store it in STATE array,
and its derivative stored in DSTATE array.
MODE = 8
MODE = 3 3) Compile the user-defined model: utilize dynamic file to
Write the names of the constants Set Pmech, Efd, VOTHSG, VUEL,
in the user-defined module VOEL,
create CONEC and CONET files, write source code in the
machine source currents (ISOURCE) CONEC file and compile it and create the objective file
Time = –2 time steps All STATE sequentially, then create the dynamic link library file: the
and DSTATE = 0 Network solution; calls CONET to dusur.DLL. Start the PSS/E under the directory where the file
calculate resides in. In the process of simulation, PSS/E will load the
MODE = 4 current injections dsusr.DLL file automatically for dynamic simulation [7]. The
Call CONEC for induction motor and
dc lines;
MODE = 2 flow chart shown in Fig.5
Call CONEC to calculate all state
set maximum number of integrators
variable time
derivatives and set VOTHSG, VUEL,
MODE = 1 and VOEL
Call SITER for initial network
solution;
calls CONET to calculate current Loop through all state variables and
injections check
for initial condition suspect.
Call CONEC to initialize models;
output
Loop between MODE=2 and
initial machine conditions
MODE =3 until the end of the Figure.5 Compilation process of user defined model
simulation time

Figure.3 Process order of MODE

IV. THE CORE OF USER-DEFINED MODELING OF SVC IN
PSS/E
C. User-Defined Procedure
A. System interface
1) Analyse the transfer function block diagram and
PSS/E dynamic model requires that each static var
differential equation of the model: confirm how many
algebraic variables, STATE variables, inputs and outputs that compensator (SVC) should be characterized by the parallel
relevant to the model should be used, and distribute space in branches which can be shut off or generator in power flow
CON, STATE, VAR and ICON array in accordance with the events, this paper is the latter case.
rules.
2) Write model subroutine by FORTRAN or FLECS The following rules apply to configuration of the
language (an extension language of FORTRAN). The function generator:
of each MODE has mentioned before. The main program calls z The type of the bus which connects with SVC must be
each subroutine according to the requirements of the
simulation, and completes the call of user-defined model. So set to 2 or 3, and one generator connects with the bus
users need to write the code that corresponding to each must be to set to represent the SVC online status.
MODE value.
z Generator MBASE value must be equal to the MVA
rating of the SVC installed in the bus.

z The generator step-up transformer cannot be used.

Other parameters, e.g. ZTRAN and GENTAP must set
to 0 and 1 respectively.

z Generator’s ZSORCE value must be set to a larger

value. Such as (0 + j999) p.u, to ensure that during the
Figure.4 Decomposition of control block diagram
simulation, SVC is not a current source.
Generally, when modeling, the system transfer function
is decomposed into multiple first-order links, the common As for the information access of SVC model, the bus
decomposition method is shown in Fig.4. voltage that SVC connects with, the complex power flows
The time domain differential equations for the Fig.4 is into the bus and the bus terminal voltage compensation are
T completely similar with a synchronous generator which can
u (t )( A − B S 1 ) − B ⋅ y 2(t )
dy 2(t ) TS 2 obtain all the information from the output channel. However,
=
dt TS 2 (1) the internal dynamic behavior of the SVC model is completely
Other equations are: different from that of synchronous generator.
TS 1 B. Initialization of user-defined SVC
y1( t ) = u ( t ) (2)
TS 2 In the steady state, SVC injects a stable reactive power
y ( t ) = y1( t ) + y 2( t ) (3) QS to the bus, converts it into equivalent shunt susceptance BS
that connect on the bus then stores it in the algebraic variables CCM make uses of the power flow solution to
array VAR (L). As shown in Fig.1. Input is steady voltage VS calculate the initial susceptance B and put it in
of the remote controlled bus. At this point, the steady state VAR(L) which shows in Fig.1, and then complete the
input VS, steady state output BS and auxiliary signal VOTHSG initialization of each state variable in the controller
are known, next is initialize each state variable, this is a model.
process of deducing from output back to input. Because this
z When MODE = 3: PSS/E main program will
step is in the steady state, the differential operator S in the
calculate network equation by single step, and CCM
control block diagram is zero. After this step, the initial values
need use the SVC controller output susceptance B to
of each state variables and the reference voltage VREF can be
calculate the SVC's contribution to the node injection
obtained. Later in the transient simulation, the output BS will
current value CURNT by each time step.
vary with input VS, and reference voltage remains constant.
C. Coordinated Call Models (CCM) and its application Since the output variable of PSS/E are VAR (L) variable types
method in user-defined SVC which are operational, SVC user define model can accomplish
Many equipment models are called during the network the voltage control aiming at any position of the system bus,
solution to calculate current injections which are dependent on which greatly expanded the SVC’s simulation ability in
the voltage at the bus to which they connected. Models that various kinds of control mode.
contain both differential equation responsibilities and current D. The implementation method of injecting the simulated
injection responsibilities meet their modeling requirements in current of SVC to the connecting bus
PSS/E by being implemented as coordinated call models It can be seen from the control block diagram that the
(CCM). Such a model is called from subroutine CONEC control in SVC is with steady state error, when system in the
calculations related to its differential equations, and from steady state, the control system outputs a stable susceptance
subroutine CONET for current injection calculations. Models value BS and then put it into the algebraic variable array
for equipment such as static var systems, dc lines, FACTS VAR(L).
devices, and loads are usually implemented as coordinated Qs (4)
Bs =
V s2
call models. In a coordinated call model, the model is called at
a primary entry point for the standard MODE one through where QS is the reactive power that outputted from SVC in
four state variable calculations. The model is also called at a steady state, VS is the voltage of the bus that connecting with
supplementary entry point at each iteration of the network SVC in steady state. When faults have happened to the system,
solution to inject the model’s contribution into the CURNT SVC would change its output susceptance value to change the
array. The implement method of CCM is write it with amount of reactive power so as to achieve control effect to the
subroutine CONEC in the same program in the form of bus voltage. The implementation of the process is shown as
auxiliary function, and the name of a CCM is formed by follows:
replacing the first character of the subroutine’s name with a T. I n +1 = I n + CONJG (( j ⋅ BT − j ⋅ BS ) ⋅ VT2 / VT ) (5)
Different with excitation system modeling, SVC
modeling need to call the CCM, because the SVC where In and In+1 is the network solution current
user-defined program contains both subroutine CONEC and injection value in Nth time steps and its next time steps
subroutine CONET, CONEC calculations related to respectively, BT is the output susceptance value of SVC in nth
differential equations while CONET for current injection time steps, BS is the output susceptance value of SVC in
calculations, the excitation system only involves the former steady state, j is the imaginary unit, VT is the voltage of the
compared with the SVC, and the procedure of differential bus that connected with SVC in Nth time steps, is a complex
equation modeling (subroutine CONEC) in SVC is the same number.
as that of traditional modeling method of excitation system. The program above is implemented by calling CCM, the
CCM will only be called by PSS/E main program when program updates the network solution current injection array
MODE for 1 and 3, So the CCM operation code only need to CURNT(I), where I is the bus number, and then implements
be written when MODE for 1 and 3, SVC’s CCM program the simulation of SVC in outputting the reactive power and
written procedures and main points are as follows [10]: regulating voltage in transient state.
z When MODE = 1: PSS/E main program initializes all E. The value range of the control parameters in SVC
of the state variables include the network solution user-defined model
current injection array CURNT, during this MODE,
 In the user-defined modeling, the selection of control bus151 near the bus152 side at the 2th second, and then cut
parameters must meet certain requirements. Otherwise there out the faulty line after 6 cycles (0.12 second), in the process
will be wrong in program during transient simulation. The of simulation, for the first three cases above mentioned, record
value range of the control parameters can be checked in the the data of the reactive power output of the three kinds of
files that come with PSS/E. SVCs. And for the each of the four cases, record the voltage
V. PRACTICAL CALCULATION data of bus152, bus202, the power flow of one of the double
circuit transmission lines between bus152 and bus151 which
This chapter made a SVC completely base on the control
hasn’t be cut out. The curve of those output are shown in
block of the ready-made SVC (CSVGN5) in the PSS/E, and
Fig.7.
the two SVCs: user-defined CSVGN5 and the PSS/E’s
CSVGN5 with the same control parameters were loaded into a
power system to do the transient simulation and then compare

Voltage(p.u.)
the output curve, so as to verify the user-defined method
above mentioned. After that, for the requirements of the
load the user-defined SVC with auxiliary signals
simulation, the paper accomplish a modified SVC whose input load the user-defined SVC（CSVGN5）
load ready-made SVC(CSVGN5) of PSS/E
involves an auxiliary signal that partly based on the control without SVC

block in BPA through the user-defined functions in PSS/E,

Time(s)
then load the model to the power system and compare the
Figure 7(a) Voltage curve of the bus (bus202) that loaded the SVC
simulation output with the SVCs that mentioned above. The
simulation system model is an example case in PSS/E, shown
in Fig.6.
Voltage(p.u.)

load the user-defined SVC with auxiliary signals

load the user-defined SVC（CSVGN5）
load ready-made SVC(CSVGN5) of PSS/E
without SVC

Time(s)
Figure 7(b)Voltage curve of the faulty bus (bus152) whose voltage is
remote controlled by the SVC

Figure 6 Simulation system

The modified SVC involves the auxiliary signal VOTHSG,
Reactive Power(Mvar

load the user-defined SVC with auxiliary signals

load the user-defined SVC（CSVGN5）
the control block diagram is shown in Fig.2 which form BPA
load ready-made SVC(CSVGN5) of PSS/E
files, and for conciseness, this case take only take bus voltage
signal VT for source input signal. Here take the voltage of
bus151 as the source signal. The control parameters of control
block in Fig.2 are referred from BPA simulation case.
Time(s)
In this article, there are four kinds of simulation cases in
Figure 7(c) Reactive output of the SVCs
total: the first three are loaded the three kinds of SVC that
above mentioned respectively on the bus202 and then control
Active Power(MW)

the voltage of bus152 by employing the remote bus voltage

control function, and the fourth case is a comparative case load the user-defined SVC with auxiliary signals
load the user-defined SVC（CSVGN5）
which set a fix shunt on the bus202 while without SVC. The
load ready-made SVC(CSVGN5) of PSS/E
power flow results of those four simulation examples is the without SVC

same, and the reactive power output of the three kinds of SVC
and the fixed shunt in steady state all are 8.1 Mvar. And then
Time(s)
move on to the transient simulation of the four groups
Figure 7(d) Power flow (P) of one of the double circuit transmission
respectively. The total duration of each simulation is 10
lines between bus152 and bus151
seconds, and a metalline earthing fault is happened at one of
the double circuit transmission lines between bus152 and
 ac transmission system（FACTS）and dynamic load
model.
Reactive Power(Mvar)

load the user-defined SVC with auxiliary signals

load the user-defined SVC（CSVGN5）
load ready-made SVC(CSVGN5) of PSS/E z Verify the exactness of user-defined method for SVC
without SVC
in PSS/E by the simulation results, and accomplish a
modified SVC whose input involves an auxiliary
signal that partly based on the control block in BPA
through the user-defined functions in PSS/E, then load
Time(s)
the model to a power system to simulate and verify the
Figure 7(e) Power flow (Q) of one of the double circuit transmission
practicability of the user-defined functions in PSS/E.
lines between bus152 and bus151
The users can modeling other user-defined models in
It can be concluded form the above figure that:
light of their requirements according to the
Load the three kinds of the SVCs and the fix shunt on
user-defined method introduced in this paper
bus202 respectively, there is a significant difference in
recovery voltage between them: compare the first three cases VII. REFERENCES
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