ABSTRACT

The rapid development of the thyristor has led to the development of static var compensator (SVC) systems to provide reactive power, load balancing, power factor improvement, and to reduce voltage variations and associated light flicker due to arc furnace loads. This chapter discusses how SVCs improve steady-state and transient stability margins, improve damping of power oscillations, and also assist in preventing voltage collapse. It analyses the necessary formulae to convert reactive powers from the delta side to the wye side of a transformer and vice versa, when delta–wye transformers are used to supply electrical power to the SVCs. The chapter compares the planning aspects of the Central Queensland Railway Project to illustrate the differences in the planning of general transmission SVCs, and SVCs to compensate traction loads from a weak ac power system. It discusses the Chester–Maine SVC.