FLEXIBLE TRANSMISSION AND RESILIENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ENABLED BY POWER ELECTRONICS

This chapter focuses on two important aspects of the smart grid: the transmission and the distribution networks. It discusses the need for flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) and resilient AC distribution systems (RACDS) in a smart grid. A microgrid is essentially a RACDS. Local generation, load management and energy storage form a microgrid to enhance the resiliency and controllability. Although FACTS and RACDS devices may have different roles in the power grid, the technology, configuration and basic structure of these devices are similar and often identical to each other. The chapter provides an overview of different commercial installations of the FACTS and RACDS technology. It describes the operating principle, various configurations, evolution of the modern FACTS and RACDS technology, examples of worldwide installations and future perspectives. At present, the back‐to‐back modular multilevel converter configuration is the preferred technology for achieving independent power flow control in a synchronous grid.