GE, Series Compensation Systems
GE, Series Compensation Systems
GE, Series Compensation Systems
Realizing maximum power transfer at the lowest possible cost is one of the greatest challenges today for transmission system operators. In meeting this challenge, series compensation systems represent a very cost effective and reliable means of increasing bulk power transfer and relieving power transmission bottlenecks.
Over the past three decades, the application of series compensation has steadily increased worldwide as transmission grid operators recognize the many benefits of these systems. Series compensation systems counteract the natural impedance of transmission lines, thereby increasing the power transfer capability. Series compensation may also be applied to increase the dynamic stability of the transmission grid, reducing voltage variation, or to balance load between parallel transmission paths, thereby relieving transmission bottlenecks. These systems can be installed for a fraction of the cost of building new transmission lines. Series compensation has been economically justified when applied to transmission lines as short as 100 miles or less, and systems typically have a payback period of less than two years. The environmental impact is minimalseries compensation systems have typically been installed within existing substations. Series compensation systems are comprised of equipment that is familiar to substation operating personnel. The systems are self-regulating and, in many cases, are placed in remote unmanned substations. Maintenance requirements are minimal. Systems we have built have delivered outstanding availability over 30-year life spans. Our experience in series compensation systems dates back to 1928, when we pioneered this technology with the first installation on the emerging US transmission grid. Our company has installed more than 100 systems globally, representing more than 30 GVAr of compensation.
Center of Excellence
Our extensive resources and expertise in series compensation are coupled with those of the EPC sub-station and switchyard projects organization. We will engage a team of experienced engineers, administrators, purchasing personnel, site managers, designers, and draftspersons under a dedicated project manager with one mission: to be certain that every series compensation project is a positive experience for our customer.
In many applications, cost and operational requirements call for the protective circuit to include a bypass triggered air gap. Working with physicists at GE's Global Research Center, GE design engineers developed a Triggered Air Gap utilizing a unique Plasma Injection System based on a proprietary GE polymer. This Plasma Injection System features full redundancy, a passive triggering system, and the fastest conduction speed in the industry, all of which result in a more robust system with greater design margin. This gap design has been rigorously tested in the lab and during natural transmission line faults, as well as staged fault testing in the field. We have also developed a digital programmable logic controller-based Protection & Control System specifically for transmission series compensation applications. All protection logic is implemented in software, at ground level utilizing a robust industrial-grade PLC. Monitoring and control is available via a graphical HMI. The Protection and Control System features an open-architecture, modular design based on commercially available hardware and software. This system offers a high level of flexibility in a compact design. These major components are integrated into a total series compensation system tailored to meet the specific requirements of each application. The project engineering team has a broad spectrum of design disciplines, depth of experience, and works to ensure that each system design fully meets the specific requirements of the application.
Post-Installation Service
Our dedication to quality remains in place over the life of the equipment. We have an extensive network of field engineering offices and service centers capable of responding immediately to any urgent situation that may arise once the equipment is placed in service. Advancements in the Protection and Control system allow our engineers to monitor, diagnose, and in some cases correct issues remotely on a moments notice in the rare event that our system experiences a problem. A qualified representative is only hours, if not minutes away, to ensure world-class responsiveness to in-service issues.
For more information on Series Compensation Systems, please contact your local GE Energy sales representative or visit us at ge.com/energy.
GEA-14281A (10/07)