Large-scale Use of FACTS Technology for Damping Inter-Area Oscillations in the Mexican System

This paper discusses the results of preliminary studies conducted to evaluate the potential for application of Static VAR Compensators (SVCs) and Thryristor Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSCs) on the Mexican interconnected system. The work synthesizes the progress in a research effort to study means to remove power transfer limitations in the 400/230 kV transmission system. The study compares the results and effectiveness of large-scale application of SVCs and TCSCs for enhancing global, large-scale system performance. Detailed system studies are conducted to assess the impact of existing FACTS controllers on system damping as well as to identify potential sites for FACTS applications. Coordination of multiple FACTS controllers is studied for the purpose of achieving global stabilization and improved transient performance. Study results include the use of SVCs and TCSCs to enhance system damping and voltage stability. Issues addressed include characterizing the influence of existing and planned devices on transient oscillations and voltage stability, and the design of modulation controllers. Time domain, frequency response, and eigenvalue studies are used for siting and designing system controllers.