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GE's STATCOM utilizes highly dynamic VSC based compensators, which when compared to SVC solutions, provides improved range of operational voltage, with higher reactive output at lower system voltage and robust recovery support under severe system disturbances and provides a smaller footprint. Key features of STATCOM System include:
Basic STATCOM Configuration and Main Components
GE provides an extensive portfolio of feasibility and network studies, project management skills, engineering capabilities, equipment, installation services and long term maintenance contracts, delivering an integrated and robust system providing utilities with the following competitive advantages:
Model based design
System flexibility to ensure optimized performance
Manufacturing excellence and deep domain technical expertise
An unrivaled DC voltage source for a better STATCOM
The function of a STATCOM system is to provide reactive compensation to the grid when it is needed most, during fault and transient conditions. GE's STATCOM solution is the only commercial solution that uses a 7mF capacitor as its DC voltage source for stabilizing the grid, nearly 2 to 3 times larger than competing solutions.
Operational Advantage of the GE STATCOM Solution
The operational advantages of this design decision can be clearly seen in the two figures below. When a three phase fault is introduced just after 0.2 seconds, the STATCOM current contribution with the larger, 7mF capacitor is nearly perfect, resuming it's steady state current profile within 25ms of fault inception.
Typical STATCOM Solution
By contrast, by modeling the performance of a typical STATCOM solution that would use a smaller, 3.5mF capacitor. The STATCOM current contribution is significantly impacted during the fault and takes nearly 4 times longer, or 100ms to recover upon fault clearing, and then goes through another 50ms of undesirable transient overshoots. Such transients, contrary to the objective of the STATCOM, produces more instability during and after the fault condition.
Using a larger capacitance provides more stored energy, delivering better fault ride through capability by delivering stable full current for a longer time duration.
GE's approach to STATCOM control systems represent the latest in design methodology by utilizing a powerful Model-Based Design approach. With this approach the STATCOM control system software is built using a core library of complex control algorithms that represents over 50 years of FACTS experience within GE, key features include:
Graphical Interface
Model Based Design utilizes a graphical interface for the design stage and translation of control models with automatic code generation for all testing and verification stages. With this approach, GE has enhanced the quality, reliability, and maintainability of the Advanced Digital Control system for STATCOMs.
Built-in Monitoring, Self Diagnostics & Event Logger
Extensive self diagnostic capabilities are built-in to maximize reliability, any degradation of performances or fault of components is pinpointed in real-time and can be easily replaced. When availability is at stake, the control system is configured in a dual lane redundancy concept which allows for the highest availability. A built-in event logger with automatic time stamping of 1 millisecond resolution and a synchronized transient fault recorder with up to 10µs sampling will allow for post event detailed analysis by experts.
Secure Remote Access
The control system can be remotely accessed via Internet using secured protocol. It allows remote monitoring (using the built-in real-time monitoring function) and fault detection including diagnostic. To fulfill modern remote control interfacing requirements, the control platform supports an extensive set of industry standard protocols including IEC® 61850, DNP3 and IEC 60870. Custom protocols can be implemented as an option.
Proven Technology
Based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, the control platform runs on VPX military technology and meets all the requirements of the Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) market. Depending on the application complexity, the control platform consists of single or multiple racks, interconnected by high speed serial fiber optic interfaces. The fiber optic interface enables the boards in different racks to communicate with each other as if they were installed in the same rack without any software change.
Project Management Approach
GE's project management approach follows a well-established set of processes and procedures that have resulted in the highest on-time delivery in the industry. GE has the people, process and rigor that customers require for the planning and execution of complex projects, including defined processes for the definition, analysis, design, implementation and post service support that is required for successful projects.