In an era of rising electricity consumption, the need for efficient power transmission is more critical than it has ever been. With modern power demands requiring smarter and more adaptable infrastructure, FACTS solutions are shaping the future of electrical power systems.
The vital aspect of voltage regulation in power flow control using FACTS is developing voltage regulation techniques to keep up with growing consumption and enhance the resilience of the power network.
Explore the fundamentals of power flow control in this blog as we navigate through reactive power compensation, system stability maintenance and power loss minimisation to contribute to a steady and efficient energy infrastructure.
Understanding Power Flow and the Role of FACTS in Modern Grid
In an ideal system, power should be transmitted smoothly from generation points to distribution networks while maintaining optimal voltage levels and minimal transmission losses. However, real-world grids face load variations, transmission bottlenecks, and voltage instability, leading to power congestion and supply disruptions.
Devices like Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSCs), Static VAR Compensators (SVCs), and Unified Power Flow Controllers (UPFCs) help regulate voltage, balance reactive power and optimise transmission capacity. By dynamically adjusting impedance and reactive power, these technologies reduce line congestion by up to 50% and improve grid efficiency. According to studies, convenient power flow control using FACTS can increase transmission capacity by 20–40%, significantly reducing the need for costly infrastructure expansions.
Reactive Power Compensation: Enhancing Grid Performance
Reactive Power Compensation (RPC) is required to maintain voltage levels and magnetise equipment like transformers and motors. However, an imbalance in reactive power can lead to voltage instability, increased transmission losses, and inefficient power delivery, ultimately weakening grid performance. Transmission lines experience excessive loading without proper power flow control using FACTS that reduce their power capacitance.
To address these challenges, modern grids employ Static VAR Compensators (SVCs), Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), and Series Capacitors, which dynamically regulate reactive power flow. As the share of renewable energy sources like wind and solar increases — where power output is often intermittent, reactive power compensation becomes even more critical to balance fluctuations and prevent voltage sags or surges.
Voltage Regulation in Expanding AC Networks: The Need for Smart Control
In today’s power landscape, where demand is rising and smart grids are becoming the norm, voltage regulation is a cornerstone of modern energy infrastructure. Voltage fluctuations caused by load imbalances, transmission line losses, and variable energy generation from renewables can damage equipment, cause power outages, and reduce operational efficiency.
To tackle these challenges, modern grids rely on On-Load Tap Changers (OLTCs), Phase-Shifting Transformers (PSTs), and Synchronous Condensers to regulate voltage levels dynamically. OLTCs in power transformers adjust the voltage in response to fluctuations, ensuring a steady supply to consumers, while PSTs manage power flow by controlling phase angles, preventing overloads and instability. Additionally, Synchronous Condensers, which operate like rotating machines, help power flow control using FACTS, supplying or absorbing reactive power as needed. Research indicates that effective voltage regulation can improve grid efficiency by up to 20% and reduce transmission losses by 10–15%.
Powering the Path to an Energy Efficient Future: OmDayal Group of Institutions
We aim to empower future electrical engineers with the expertise to control and enhance modern energy landscape through power flow control using FACTS. Through a robust curriculum in power electronics, grid automation, and smart energy solutions, students gain hands-on experience in enhancing voltage stability, managing reactive power, and improving transmission efficiency.
With a strong focus on real-world applications and sustainable energy innovations, we prepare them to tackle the challenges of evolving power networks, ensuring they become the next generation of problem-solvers in the energy sector.
