Considerations for invstigation and reliablity improvement of SVC systems

Static Var Compensation systems (SVC or SVS) are becoming more prevalent and more important in the operation of large HVac networks worldwide. As the population of SVS installations increases, the population of aging and in some cases obsolete installations becomes a more critical focus of utility capital improvement projects. While capacity increases are sometimes necessary, the authors believe that necessary stabilization if not replacement of vital subsystems within these operating SVS, is growing more important. To this end POWER engineers has had the opportunity to investigate SVS systems and through a developing methodology make selective changes, additions and betterments, that not only stabilize the existing assets, but in many cases actual reliability can be improved of most SVS. The methodology suggested in this paper is a result of experience in new SVS projects, and a review of how the technologies involved in SVS have improved; (1) Cooling Systems, (2) Control & Protection Systems, (3) Main circuit instrumentation systems, (4) Fire detection & Suppression Systems, (5) Improved synchronous PCB switching techniques, (6) Improved SCADA and Alarm Trending system interfaces.