Power quality hardware solutions for distribution systems: Custom Power

This paper describes efforts being conducted by Westinghouse and Rolls-Royce to develop and demonstrate new technologies which will allow distribution utilities to significantly improve power quality. These activities are central to realising a total solution package which is collectively known as Custom Power. Custom Power is a technology driven product and service solution which embraces a family of devices which will provide power quality functions at distribution voltages. It has been made possible by the now widespread availability of cost effective high power solid state switches such as GTOs and IGBTs. The rapid response of these devices enables them to operate in real time, providing continuous and dynamic control of the supply including: sub-cycle transfer of critical loads, voltage and reactive power regulation, harmonic mitigation and elimination of voltage dips. The existing family of Custom Power devices is discussed, as well their scope and applications. The devices discussed are: the distribution STATCON (static condenser), dynamic voltage restorer, and solid state breaker.