Power transmission with power electronics

Most power electronics applications have, until now, been aimed at enabling a more efficient utilisation of electricity at the point of use, for example in motor drives. However, power electronics is now playing an increasingly important role in the transmission of power. There are two main uses for power electronics in power transmission: in HVDC transmission, and to enhance AC power transmission (“FACTS”). In both cases, both traditional (thyristor-based) and Voltage-Sourced options are available, and in HVDC both are experiencing strong market growth and rapid technological change. In FACTS, there are many possible applications but the “shunt” technologies of the SVC and the STATCOM are still the only two to find widespread application. This paper provides an overview of the major technologies available for HVDC and FACTS.