Prototype test of STATCOM and BTB based on voltage source converter using GCT thyristor

This paper presents a prototype test of a GCT-STATCOM and a GCT-BTB. The massively Parallel BTB (MAPBTB) that we suggest consists of many small BTB units in parallel. A GCT-STATCOM is a minimum unit of a MAPBTB and hence the implementation of a GCT-STATCOM means the implementation of a MAPBTB. First, a trial design for an 80 MVA GCT-STATCOM is drawn, and the harmonics, the losses and the site area are calculated. A combination control method is developed, and a 26 MVA prototype GCT-STATCOM with this control is manufactured and tested. A 13 MVA prototype GCT-BTB is also tested. This STATCOM was found to be very efficient and could reduce lower harmonics by using both the GCT thyristors and the combination control with high efficiency PWM control. The suggested GCT-STATCOM and GCT-BTB are more low-loss and compact in terms of the test results and trial design.