Static VAr compensators (SVC) required to solve the problem of delayed voltage recovery following faults in the power system of the Saudi Electricity Company, Western Region (SEC-WR)

Each power system is unique in its load pattern, growth trends and type, generation resources and network configuration. One of the main objectives of the power system operation planners is the operation and control of the power system to satisfy the most secure, and reliable power supply. The power system of the Saudi Electricity Company in the Western Region (SEC-WR) faced a high load growth during the past few years. This load increase gave rise to a very high loading of the transmission system elements mainly power transformers and cables. The Western Region load is mainly composed of air conditioner (AC) during high load season. In case of faults this nature of load induces delayed voltage recovery following fault clearing on the transmission system. The sustained low voltage following transmission line faults could cause customer interruptions and may be equipment damage. The integrity of the transmission system may also be affected. The transient stability of the system may be affected. This may also influence the stability of the generating units in the system. The existing dynamic model of SEC-WR System has been described. The response of the model to the actual faults is compared with actual records obtained from the dynamic system monitor (DSM) installed in several locations in the SEC-WR System. To avoid as much as possible brown and black out following system faults, SVC systems will be installed. An automatic under voltage load shedding scheme has been set up and optimized as an additional security and backup measures to cater for sever disturbance such as three phase and single phase faults.