The project, located at SP Energy Networks’ substation at Eccles, consists of two sets of an SVC Light STATCOM and a synchronous condenser controlled centrally by the MACH control system, connected at a common electrical node. This unique combination of technologies will maximize the future power system’s potential while also providing increased system stability and security, thus supporting the increasing integration of renewables into the electricity grid.
Each STATCOM installation uses Hitachi Energy’s advanced power electronics and technology-leading MACH control and protection solution to provide system strength, instantaneous voltage control, and enable maximum power flow. This technology, which entrusts the MACH control to manage both STATCOM and the synchronous condenser, is market leading. It builds on an earlier collaboration between SP Energy Networks and Hitachi Energy on the networkinnovation competition project Phoenix supported by Ofgem, the energy regulator for the UK.
“The innovative power quality solution will increase the transfer capacity between Scotland and England by up to 280 MW by improving the transmission network’s strength and stability as more renewable generation is connected in Scotland” said Billy Moore, Senior Project Manager at SP Energy Networks. “The criticality of technology such as thiswill become more important as we reduce the usage of fossil fuels.”
With the integration of more renewable energy into the grid and the move away from conventional power plants, transmission system operators face challenges maintaining grid stability and power quality. In this project, the SVC Light STATCOM and synchronous condenser with combined control generate or absorb reactive power to adjust thegrid voltage and maintain system stability and resilience.
“We are delighted to have co-created this innovative solution with SP Energy Networks, which will maintain grid stability and enable more clean electricity to flow through the system in the UK” added Marco Berardi, Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service business at Hitachi Energy. “This pioneering innovation is yet another addition to ourever-evolving portfolio of power quality solutions that help grid operators overcome the immediate and long-term challenges of the energy transition.”
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