Flexible AC Transmission Systems​

The Quanta Technology approach to FACTS is to consider the entire lifecycle of the system starting with initial planning-level studies.  Our services for transmission planning for FACTS devices encompass not only the conceptual studies for power flow, reactive and voltage performance, and rating studies but also optimization during the operational life from a planning perspective as system needs evolve.  Our team of experts has been assembled to address a complete range of experience and perspective related to FACTS, including utility transmission planning and asset optimization throughout its service life.

Flexible AC Transmission Systems

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) have been deployed to solve a diverse set of challenges in power transmission systems for more than 30 years. In the past 10 years, utility planners have used FACTS equipment for applications to manage power flow in transmission systems to mitigate risks when thermal power plants retire. As new challenges face the transmission grid, FACTS devices will continue to be an integral part of the planner’s tool kit for addressing voltage, capacity, and system reliability. Experts from Quanta Technology work in all phases of the FACTS project lifecycle, including planning studies, specification development, vendor selection, and project implementation as well as lifecycle services to maximize the total value of the system for the owner.

FACTS Planning Studies

  • Technical and economic analysis of FACTS devices as non-wire alternatives (NWAs) to new transmission lines
  • Voltage and stability performance
  • Integration of renewable generation
  • Sizing and optimization with other reactive devices
  • Inertia and angular stability
  • Thermal power plant retirements

Procurement and Project Services

  • Specification development and updates
  • Vendor qualification
  • Procurement strategy
  • Owner’s engineer services
  • Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) testing
  • Hardware-in-the-loop simulations

Specialized Application Studies

  • Harmonic studies
  • Sub-synchronous phenomena (SSR, SSI, SSTI, SSCI)
  • Insulation coordination and transient voltage
  • Active controller device interactions
  • Flicker and power quality assessment

Asset Management and Renewal Planning

  • Performance warranty assessments
  • Post-warranty support
  • Aging asset assessments and life-extension strategy
  • Optimization of existing FACTS assets
  • Knowledge transfer
  • Communication and security infrastructure

 

 

Why Quanta Technology?

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) have been deployed to solve a diverse set of challenges in power transmission systems for more than 30 years. In the past 10 years, utility planners have utilized FACTS equipment for applications to manage power flow in transmission systems to mitigate risks when thermal power plants retire.
As new challenges face the transmission grid, FACTS devices will continue to be an integral part of the planner’s tool kit for addressing voltage, capacity, and system reliability. Experts from Quanta Technology work in all phases of the FACTS project lifecycle, not only planning studies, specification development, vendor selection, and
project implementation, but also lifecycle services to maximize the total value of the system for the owner.

Long-Term Asset Strategy
Quanta Technology can provide services to address the complex challenges that can arise during the lifetime of a FACTS device. The surrounding transmission system
can be expected to change in many ways. New lines may be built and thermal generation may be retired and displaced by renewable sources. Complementary technology such as PMU data and high-speed communication may be widely deployed. Other challenges can include obsolescence in control systems, cyber security, and knowledge transfer. Quanta Technology services to address these challenges include asset assessments and life-extension strategy, confirmation of system needs and opportunities for control and operational enhancements, and coordination of best practices across suppliers and equipment generations:

  • Confirmation of current system need
  • Integration with complementary new technology
  • Controls and security
  • Knowledge transfer

Emerging Needs and Applications
Quanta Technology experts can also evaluate emerging FACTS concepts and provide assessments of innovative FACTS applications. Examples include coordinating the
rating and controls of SVC/STATCOM with synchronous condensers for enhanced power system performance, the use of thyristor-controlled series capacitors (TCSC)
to mitigate sub-synchronous interactions, and the application of D-FACTS as a method of power flow control.

Join The List

Join Quanta Technology’s email list to get exclusive access to content, whitepapers, webinars and more!