Power System Stability Improvement Using STATCOM: New Practical Method for Placement and Sizing

In Latin America, in recent years, several projects with FACTS equipment have been materialized to improve the stability of the power system. Among these, for example, use of SVC equipment in Peru to regulate voltage, and STATCOM in Colombia to support voltage and prevent collapse of electrical areas. Several variables influence the way a STATCOM operates, its size is an important factor, and also the electrical substation where it is installed; these two aspects, although they can be calculated separately, in the real time operation it is evident that their contributions can be optimized, considering them jointly. This article aims to show a new practical methodology to evaluate the location and size of a STATCOM through a sequence of calculations and the application of routine electrical studies executed by system operators, in order to improve voltage and/or angular stability of the units. As a case of practical application, the stability problems of the South Bolivian system were analyzed, as well as the installation of a STATCOM to improve the operational limitations.