Analysis and controller design of static VAr compensator using three-level GTO inverter

A static VAr compensator (SVC) using a three-level GTO voltage source inverter (VSI) is presented for high-voltage, high-power applications. The three-level VSI has lower harmonic components and higher DC-link voltage than the two-level VSI and thus can be operated at lower switching frequency (f/sub sw/<500 Hz) without excessive harmonic contents. From the DQ-transformed equivalent circuit of the presented SVC system, DC and AC analyses are carried out to find the steady-state and the dynamic characteristics of the system. Based on the open-loop transfer function of the system, a controller is designed to achieve fast dynamic response. The experimental results confirm the theoretical analyses and controller design.