Application of the interphase power controller technology for transmission line power flow control

This paper presents an application of the interphase power controller (IPC) technology for controlling power flows while maintaining the natural synchronizing capacity of transmission lines. The benefits for transmission systems are a substantial increase in steady-state transmission capability, lower losses and voltage support. An example based on the 500 kV Mead-Phoenix Project demonstrates the effectiveness of the IPC solution: the addition of a 370 MVAr capacitor in parallel with the two 500 kV phase-shifting transformers increases their maximum capability from 1300 to 1910 MW. The concepts presented are the results of the first phase of work leading to the development of an IPC using power electronics.