Application of power electronics in the transmission of electrical energy

Application of power electronics in the field of power distribution and transmission systems is attracting wide attention because of its anticipated large scale application in the future. Traditional industry structure and operating principles have built around a tightly and centrally controlled single entity in a typical vertically integrated utility. The demands that are made on the power system because of unbundling of vertically integrated utilities to allow open access to third parties for transmission of power will force application of advanced controllers. It is then relevant to take a look at how and to what extent power electronics can contribute to effective control of power distribution on the network. In this paper, trends and future prospects in utility applications of power electronics are presented. Some practical applications, particularly related with FACTS (flexible AC transmission systems) which cover a wide range of power electronics equipment in power systems, are highlighted.