The interphase power controller: a new concept for managing power flow within AC networks

The paper presents a new concept for controlling the flow of power within AC networks. The application is based on the series connection of impedances between different phases of the two (synchronous) subnetworks to be interconnected, hence its name: the interphase power controller (IPC). The IPC acts as a current source with the following characteristics: the power flow is nearly constant (within 10%) for a wide range (±25°) of angle between the two subnetworks; there is no significant short-circuit contribution from one network to the other; severe contingencies on one side of the IPC have negligible impact on the voltage of the other side; no harmonics are generated (because there is no control action). Other operating conditions (reduced power, reactive power generation or absorption) are possible by switching impedance components. In all cases, the IPC comprises only conventional elements (transformer, capacitors, reactors and circuit breakers)