Active smart wires: An inverter-less static series compensator

Technologies such as dynamic line rating and FACTs have emerged to increase the utilization and the reliability of the existing T&D network without requiring new line construction. The development of the Distributed Series Reactance (DSR) technology, a distributed FACTs (D-FACTs) solution also known as Smart Wires, has been funded by the utility community, given the promise of DSR for reliable and inexpensive power flow control. The DSR is capable of increasing the line reactance, pushing power onto other lines, but it is unable to decrease line reactance and draw power flow onto the line. Utilities have noted the value of a technology capable of injecting inductance or capacitance into the line. A previous approach to push or pull power used an inverter based variable injection technique, but was expensive and was unable to meet utility expectations for MTBF and maintenance requirements. Active Smart Wires (ASW) is a new concept for a low-cost, high reliability method to increase or decrease power flow in a transmission line. Simulation results are provided.