FACTS options permit the utilization of the full thermal capacity of AC transmission

In the United States, EPRI is supporting the development of FACTA (flexible AC transmission systems) technologies, which enable the control of power flow on AC transmission lines and utilize the existing transmission facilities all the way to its thermal limits without degrading reliability. The workhorse of the FACTS technologies are thyristors. Sophisticated controls, monitoring devices and computer codes are also important components of FACTS. EPRI is in the third year of a FACTS research, development and demonstration effort. The first project is a benefit analysis of a study system that represents the characteristics of United States systems. The work described here is this benefit analysis which will provide a basis for further developments