Reactive Power Compensation Analysis and Its Determination on 132/15 kV Transmission Substation System Using Appropriate SVC Devices [A Case Study at Mekannisa Substation, Addis Ababa]

Abstract

Reactive power compensation is extremely crucial to implementing the development of power quality-related issues related to the consumers. The robust use of Static VAR Compensators under shunt FACTS devices plays a significant role in voltage regulation because of their fast response and high capability. Thus, it becomes necessary to review the utilization of SVCs for transmission system voltage control under normal operating conditions. This research investigates the reactive power compensation of the Mekannisa 132/15 kV transmission substation using Static VAR Compensators (SVCs). Data assortment and analysis are allotted to study the reactive power that is absorbed and supplied during peak load conditions and increment the specified voltage level of the Mekannisa transmission substation. The modeling and simulation studies are applied using MATLAB Simulink software. Simulation studies with and without SVCs have been performed for various situations of SVCs Configurations, like FC TCR (Fixed Capacitor-Thyristor Controlled Reactor) and TSC-TCR (Thyristor Switched Capacitor Thyristor Controlled Reactor) hybrid configuration, to investigate its impact on voltage profile. The simulation outputs indicate the substation reactive power is compensated by implementing the shunt controlling SVCs that are absorbing (inductive) and generating (capacitive) in MVAR. This supports the voltage level to be incremented by inserting the desired SVCs into the system so that it is within the acceptable range. Consequently, the measured source voltage (Vmeas) is improved from a reference voltage value of 1.0 p.u to 1.081 p.u. In the same manner, the voltage level of the outgoing lines improved from 0.949 p.u to 1.023 p.u. Furthermore, the power factor is corrected by adding the two SVC types in the 15 kV load bus such that it is near the unity power factor i.e. 0.998 p.u. Thus, supported by the findings of this research, it's concluded that Static VAR Compensators are also implemented to enhance the regulation of the voltage profile of transmission substations.