PureWave DSTATCOM^® Distributed Static Compensator

Introduction

The PureWave Distributed Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) is a system for correcting voltage sags, surges, or voltage flicker caused by rapidly varying reactive power demands on transmission or distribution systems. PureWave DSTATCOM provides ultra-fast (dynamic) voltage control by providing leading and lagging reactive power.

In transmission systems, DSTATCOM assists in recovery from contingency events (loss or failure of part of the system or of individual equipment). DSTATCOM allows various sources of renewable energy — wind, concentrated solar, and tidal power — to meet utility grid interconnection requirements and to meet power factor, voltage output, and low-voltage ride-through requirements of various worldwide grid codes.

S&C has been designing and building DSTATCOM systems since the late 1990s and has numerous systems in operation that meet or exceed the customer’s and interconnecting utilities’ requirements.

The advantages of S&C’s DSTATCOM systems include:

• Modular design provides redundancy
• DSTATCOM is constructed from paralleled 1.25 MVAR inverter sections featuring independent controls and individual circuit-breakers to maximize system reliability and availability.
• Individual inverters can be maintained while the remainder of the system is operating
• Inverter systems are air-cooled, avoiding the considerable reliability and maintenance concerns of water-cooled systems
• Ultra fast response time: 3 to 6 milliseconds, providing faster voltage (or VAR, or power factor) control to enhance system voltage stability
• Short-time rating of 3.3 MVAR for 3 seconds per individual inverter for contingency events
• DSTATCOM systems are packaged in standard ISO enclosures
• Systems are pre-fabricated, compact, and fully factory tested
• Systems include a climate controlled control room (with air-conditioning if required) and a weather-proof maintenance aisle that enhances reliability and serviceability.
• The system occupies minimal valuable substation space
• DSTATCOMs can be installed and commissioned quickly
• Flexible system sizing with control of external devices
• DSTATCOMs can be paralleled for a total system output of ±40 MVAR
• Up to 6 external switched devices (capacitor or reactor banks) can be controlled by DSTATCOM