PQ Spotlight: PG&E Installs FACTS to Retire Aging Assets

摘要

Utility uses static VAR system to replace old synchronous condensers, while maintaining voltage stability and system reactive reserve margin. Voltage stability and reactive power system restrictions have become growing concerns for utilities following the adoption of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) open-access policies. Generation resources are being dispatched differently, further taxing already heavily loaded transmission corridors. As upgrades or replacements are made to the grid, it's imperative that the resulting system has the stability to withstand "system swings" and severe grid disturbances, especially in light of the vulnerability shown during the August 2003 blackout. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E; San Francisco, California, U.S.) considered these system concerns as it faced the need to retire old synchronous condensers that were reaching the end of their useful life at its Hunters Point Power Plant (HPPP). After assessing different options, PG&E determined that Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices could cost effectively replace the synchronous condensers and provide the volt-age stability needed for the bulk transmission system.