Harmonic Distortion Assessment due to Operation of Static Var Compensator at Chorrillos Substation

Abstract

The Ecuadorian expansion planning program encompasses the new 500 kV transmission system development. A Static Var Compensator (SVC) has been installed at 230 kV level of Chorrillos substation as a fundamental facility of this system. This equipment allows dynamic voltage control at Chorrillos 230 kV busbar using thyristors for current modulation. However, switching operation of these semiconductor devices produces current and voltage waveform distortions.

This research shows the modeling of this SVC, for harmonic assessment in the Ecuadorian transmission system, using the power system simulation software PowerFactory, and determines the effect of the harmonic content on the National Transmission System (SNT) caused by the operation of the equipment under different scenarios.

The results of harmonic level assessment caused by this equipment added to actual harmonic content in the SNT allows to determine if voltage and current harmonic levels are within the limits established in CONELEC 003/08 standard.

Finally, K-Factor and Factor K, needed to quantify harmonic effect due to SVC operation, are analyzed for relevant power transformers.