FACTS: powerful means for dynamic load balancing and voltage support of AC traction feeders

With increasing focus on economical as well as environmentally friendly means for mass transit, rail transport is getting renewed momentum in many countries. This means investing in novel rail infrastructure as well as upgrading and electrifying of existing facilities. The feeding of heavy rolling stock from AC grids will in many cases cause unacceptable voltage drops as well as unsymmetry between phases of the feeding grid FACTS devices offer means of remedy, restoring grid symmetry as well as voltage stability. The paper treats dynamic load balancing of grids supplying power to rail transport, as well as dynamic voltage support, by means of thyristor-controlled VAr compensation (SVC) as well as voltage source converters (VSC).