© ABB Group August 7, 2015 | Slide 1 Variable Shunt Reactors Optimize Transmission Systems Dr. Claes Bengtsson, Global Product Manager, Reactors. PowerGen

© ABB Group April 19, 2023 | Slide 1

Variable Shunt ReactorsOptimize Transmission Systems

Dr. Claes Bengtsson, Global Product Manager, Reactors. PowerGen Europe June 2010


Matured products ??

Is transformer- and shunt reactor technology matured?

Some basics around reactive power compensation

New opportunities in reactive power compensation

Applications and benefits


P2, Q2

U2U1

Q

Voltage profile at no or low load (P2),”Ferranti effect”

U1 U2

1,0 pu

Voltage at line end increases at low load


P2, Q2

U2U1

Q

Voltage profile at no or low load (P2), with connected SR

U1 U2

1,0 pu

The shunt reactor stabilize the system voltage

The shunt reactor consumes reactive power generated by the transmission line


P2, Q2

U2U1

Q

Voltage profile at no or low load (P2), with connected SR

U1 U2

1,0 pu

The shunt reactor stabilize the system voltage

Switching in the reactor gives a step change in the voltage on the transmission line


P2, Q2

U2U1

(R) + X

Q

Increased load (P2), voltage profile with connected SR

U1 U2

1,0 pu

The voltage profile is load dependent


Fundamental challenge

The is an optimum reactor rating at a certain load

Load varies with time

Seasonal variations

Daily variations

Shunt Reactors are by tradition fixed in rating

Switching fixed reactors in and out leads to

Voltage steps

Wear on breakers

Non-optimal compensation


ABB is the world leader on HV shunt reactors

>1000 reactors delivered to >40 countries

Complete range

<800 kV, <300 Mvar

Full 3-phase testing capabilities

Outstanding performance

Field reliability

Low sound and vibrations

Leading the technology development

World’s largest 3-phase reactors (300 Mvar)

So why selling static reactors when the need of reactive power compensation is dynamic?


There are new solutions today

A new product class: Variable Shunt Reactors

VSR provides dynamic compensation of reactive power

Regulation range around 100% (e.g. 50-100 Mvar)

Ratings up to 200 Mvar, 500 kV

ABB is the world leader for VSRs

So far 16 VSRs sold to US, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Africa

The world’s largest VSR now in safe operation

120-200 Mvar, 400 kV


VSR applications: Wind parks

Unpredictable and fluctuating active power exchange

The variations in reactive power consumption with varying wind-power production require control:

SVC

Regulated shunt reactor

Switched shunt reactor

Grid codes specify the amount of reactive power exchanged with the main grid


VSR applications: Large and long cable networks

Large and long AC cable networks in EHV network systems, e.g. USA and Italy.

Extended use of cables put higher demand on reactive power compensation

Daily and season load variation in highly populated areas

Power quality is important


VSR applications: Daily load variations in regular networks

Transmission systems with time variation of load, generation and power exchange with other networks

Interaction with other types of installations, e.g. SVCs, HVDC transmission links

Controllability of the system increase in importance or is uncertain

Increased demands on flexibility

Power quality is important


Summary of VSR benefits

Reduced voltage jumps during switching operation

Voltage stability at varying loads

Flexibility for new future load conditions

Improved interaction with other equipment

Coarse tuning of SVC equipment for best dynamical operation

Reactive power compensation related to loading of HVDC links (a HVDC converter consumes reactive power)

No parallel fixed reactors, reduction of number of breakers, reduced footprint and maintenance

Flexible spare unit possibility and flexibility to move a VSR to other location


Conclusions

Transmission networks have time varying loads

Transmission networks have time varying needs for compensation of reactive power

VSR is a new product type that provides this

Do we know the load- and generation patterns of tomorrow?

A shunt reactor with fixed rating have a life time of 30+ years...


Gallery

50-100 Mvar, 242 kV

Dominion, USA

120-200 Mvar, 400 kV

Statnett, Norway

Active part

50-100 Mvar, 242 kV


Why to be careful when buying a reactor?

It should withstand the load of 40 cars, applied 100 times per second for 30 years continuous without rattling and high noise

Long time field reliability is a key issue

Shunt reactors are difficult

Documents

© ABB Group August 7, 2015 | Slide 1 Variable Shunt Reactors Optimize Transmission Systems Dr. Claes Bengtsson, Global Product Manager, Reactors. PowerGen