Design modifications and system studies to relocate a static VAr compensator in a power system with power quality problems

The load growth and financial constraints on transmission systems expansion may lead networks to operate in conditions more severe than those considered in planning studies. This occurs in the CHESF Eastern power system, where power quality problems became more critical due to the strong presence of motor loads. To minimize the impact of these effects, planning studies to install in Campina Grande substation the SVC originally planned to Rio Largo substation. To adapt the SVC performance to the needs of Campina Grande area, it was necessary to perform some modifications on its closed loop control system. The results of ATP-EMTP simulations, as well as the challenges to install a large SVC in a place different from the one defined in the original project are reported in this paper.