SVC compensator SVC PLUS® (STATCOM)

dynamic reactive power

Overview
SVC PLUS® is an MMC-based STATCOM solution designed for dynamic reactive power compensation and fast voltage regulation in transmission systems and industrial sites. The modular multilevel converter architecture delivers rapid response, lower harmonic emission and flexible scaling to support integration of variable renewable generation and improve grid stability.

Key capabilities and benefits

• Fast dynamic reactive power compensation and voltage regulation for utilities and transmission systems.
• MMC-based STATCOM design enabling very fast response, reduced harmonic generation and precise control of reactive and active power flows.
• Reduced component count and simplified engineering, lowering commissioning time and lifecycle costs.
• Compact footprint: modular architecture can reduce installation footprint by up to ~50% versus conventional SVC of comparable rating.
• Mobile and containerized options for rapid temporary grid support and fast restoration after incidents.

Design and components
SVC PLUS® integrates a modular multilevel converter (MMC) topology with industrial-grade IGBT semiconductors, reactors, capacitors and, for utility applications, AC power transformers. The system is engineered for reliable operation and streamlined planning, with standardized modules for scalable deployment.

Features, applications and variations

• Containerized SVC PLUS®: factory-integrated housings to minimize civil works and shorten project schedules.
• Mobile STATCOM: preconfigured mobile units with plug-and-play interconnection for emergency support and rapid restoration.
• SVC PLUS FS® (E-STATCOM): frequency-stabilizing variant capable of emulating inertia and injecting active power for frequency control.
• Industrial variants: tailored solutions for electric arc furnaces and other dynamic loads to reduce flicker, mitigate harmonics and improve production power quality.

Technical insights and benefits

• Stability and power quality: rapid injection of inductive or capacitive power to prevent voltage collapse and support black-start and grid-forming functions.
• Harmonic and flicker mitigation: multilevel waveform generation reduces harmonic emissions and lowers the need for large filters.
• Fast and precise control: advanced control enables rapid IGBT switching and accurate management of reactive/active power exchange with the grid.
• Scalability and flexibility: modular design supports phased expansion and adaptation to site constraints.
• Environmental contribution: facilitates higher renewable penetration and helps reduce CO₂ emissions through improved grid integration.

Successful project example
Example: turnkey SVC PLUS® installation delivering improved grid stability and renewable integration. Cited operating range: ±300 Mvar at 380 kV (project example) with state-of-the-art harmonic filtering and reported plant availability above 99%.

MMC technology advantages

• Lower harmonic distortion through multilevel waveform synthesis, reducing reliance on bulky filters.
• Modular scalability for tailored performance and easier site adaptation.
• Improved reliability and cost efficiency from reduced component count and simplified maintenance.
• Fast and precise power control for dynamic reactive and active power management.

Applications

• Transmission system operators for voltage stability, blackout prevention and grid-forming support.
• Emergency and temporary grid reinforcement with mobile STATCOM units.
• Industrial sites requiring flicker reduction, harmonic mitigation and dynamic load compensation.

Technical specifications

• Product family / commercial name: SVC PLUS®
• Core technology: Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) voltage-sourced converter topology
• Typical components: industrial-class IGBT semiconductors, reactors, capacitors, AC power transformers (for utility applications)
• Variations: Containerized SVC PLUS®, Mobile STATCOM (mobile SVC PLUS®), SVC PLUS FS® (E-STATCOM)
• Performance highlights: very fast dynamic reactive response; reduced harmonic generation; compact footprint (up to ~50% footprint reduction vs conventional SVC of same rating)
• Example operating range (project example): SVC PLUS® ±300 Mvar at 380 kV
• Typical benefits: enhanced voltage stability, flicker reduction, harmonic mitigation, plant availability >99% reported in example