Overview of Static Synchronous Condenser STATCON

Static synchronous condenser/STATCON (STATCON for short), based on voltage type inverter principle, uses the isolated gate binary transistor (IGBT4) to control the value and phase of AC voltage of inverter, so as to serve the purpose of reactive and harmonic compensation. As the switching frequency of IGBT is very high (dozens of kHz), STATCON can realize fast compensation for reactive load, and achieve very high compensation precision. 

Static Synchronous Condenser STATCON is currently the best solution in reactive power control filed. Compared with the traditional SVC represented by TSC, the regulation speed of STATCON is faster (the response speed is within 5ms), its compensation precision is high (the power factor after compensation is over 0.99), the compensation method is flexible (STATCON can compensate both inductive reactive power and capacitive reactive power), and STACTON also has the function of active filtration of harmonic current.

Wall-mounted STATCON	Rack type statcon Panel

STATCON Specification

How STATCON Works?

Static Synchronous Condenser STATCON is a power electronics-based device connected in parallel with the load that requires harmonics mitigation. STATCON works as a controlled current source providing any kind of current waveform in real time.

When the load generates inductive or capacitive current, it makes load current lagging or leading the voltage. An STATCON detects the pase angle difference and injects in real time leading or lagging current into the electric power systems, making the phase angle of the current almost the same as that of the voltage, bringing fundamental power factor to unity. 

STATCON Benefits

■Multifunctional: Reactive power and imbalance compensation

■Excellent reactive compensation: High speed, Precise (-0.99≤Cosφ≤0.99), Step-less, Bi-directional (capacitive and inductance) compensation

■Excellent imbalance correction: Both negative and zero sequence, mitigates neutral current

■Wide input voltage & frequency range, adapts to tough electrical environment

■Low thermal loss (≤3% of rated STATCON capacity), efficiency ≥ 97%

■High stability: Infinite impedance to grid, avoids harmonic resonance problem

■Flexible application: Modular design, embedded in standard or customized cabinet

■Easy installation and maintenance: Easy installation for STATCON module replacement and expansion

■Wide capacity range: 50kvar~600kvar for a single cabinet, up to 10 cabinets in parallel

■Environmental adaptability: -10~50°C temperature, compatible with diesel generators

■Complete protection: Grid over/under voltage, STACON over current, over temperature, and others. All faults recorded inevent log, convenient for failure analysis.

STATCON Application Field

■Electric Arc Furnaces – voltage stabilisation reduces tap-to-tap time and electrode consumption.

■Rolling Mills – elimination of voltage and harmonic distortions reduces reactive power demand and increases electrical system capacity.

■Mining and heavy industry – dynamic reactive power compensation stabilise the power system, especially on large motor start up, ensuring reliability of the power system.

■Wind and solar farms – meeting strict grid connection criteria by providing dynamic voltage control and voltage stability at the common coupling point (PCC).

■Renewables markets – including solar farms, wind farms, solar panel installations.

Following are typical application industries of Static synchronous condenser/STATCON.