Performance analysis of Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator

In recent years, power system network is becoming wider and wider because of substantial increase in power demand. Installation of additional power networks to meet the demands is not always possible because of environmental reasons. This results in forcing the transmission networks to be utilized to their full limits. In this regard, Flexible Alternative Current Transmission System (FACTS) came into picture which has been proven to be one of the most promising solutions in improving the power flow and controllability in the existing power system networks. There are different types of FACTS controllers proposed for the regulation of the power system. They are Series controllers, Shunt Controllers and combination of both. This paper focuses on the series controller - Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) which improves the power flow in the system and provides continuous control over the entire operating region. Different operating regions based on their impedance characteristics of the system are analyzed with the help of MATLAB. Impedance characteristics can be visualized by varying the firing angle of the thyristors and the TCSC voltage under various firing angles are observed. The resonance regions are analyzed with the help of LABVIEW software. Under varying load conditions, the real and reactive power flow of the uncompensated and the TCSC compensated system were observed with the help of MATLAB. Transient stability analysis has also been performed and the results are reported. The simulation results show that TCSC is capable of increasing the power flow and the transient stability of the system.