Vol: 2 Issue: 2

TOWARDS ENHANCING VOLTAGE STABILITY AND POWER LOSS REDUCTION OF A TRANSMISSION SYSTEM: A COMPARATIVE SURVEY OF THE IMPACT OF FACTS CONTROLLERS ON 330KV NIGERIA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

Etim, Archibong A., Akpama, E. J., and Peter O. Ohiero

Voltage Stability analysis is important as voltage instability may result in the partial or complete interruption in the power system. For voltage stability analysis, a number of steady-state analysis methods such as standard power flow methods, continuation power flow methods, modal methods and dynamic simulation methods are being used by the electric utilities. [1] The reactive power plays an important role in a power system. Fundamentally, an electric power is generated, transmitted and then distributed to the customers. [2,3] Transformers, transmission and distribution lines, cables and many common load devices such as motors shift the relationship between current and voltage due to their inherent characteristics. This shift is measured in Volt Ampere Reactive (VAR). High VAR levels may result in a reduction in power transfer capability and an increase in losses. Low VAR levels may result in voltage sag. Hence, appropriate levels of reactive power are to be maintained to enhance the voltage stability of the power system [3]. The sources of reactive power such as conventional devices which are built out of resistance, inductance or capacitance together with a transformer, and Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices provide sufficient reactive power to the system [4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. FACTS devices provide reactive power compensation and improve voltage stability, transmission capability, power flow control, and operating flexibility of the power system.

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