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A static VAR compensator is a
Voltage controlled shunt compensation device
Current controlled shunt compensation device
Voltage controlled series compensation device
Current controlled series compensation device
Voltage controlled shunt compensation device
Quick Summary: A Static VAR Compensator (SVC) is a power electronic device used to provide rapid reactive power compensation on high-voltage electricity transmission networks. It is connected in shunt with the transmission line to regulate the voltage at the point of connection by injecting or absorbing reactive power.
A Static VAR Compensator (SVC) is a power electronic device used to provide rapid reactive power compensation on high-voltage electricity transmission networks. It is connected in shunt with the transmission line to regulate the voltage at the point of connection by injecting or absorbing reactive power.
QSVC=XSVCV2 — Relationship between Reactive Power, Voltage, and SVC reactance
XSVC(α)=XLπ−2α−sin(2α)π — Effective reactance of TCR as a function of firing angle α
The SVC operates by controlling the amount of reactive power injected into or absorbed from the power system. It typically consists of a Thyristor-Controlled Reactor (TCR) and a Thyristor-Switched Capacitor (TSC). By adjusting the firing angle of the thyristors, the device modulates the effective reactive impedance, thereby maintaining the bus voltage at a desired set-point.
SVC is a member of the FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) family.
It provides voltage control through reactive power compensation without mechanical switching.
It responds very fast to system disturbances compared to mechanical compensators like synchronous condensers.
The shunt connection allows it to influence the node voltage directly.
Fast voltage regulation
Improved transient stability
Reduced flicker and improved power quality
No moving parts, leading to low maintenance
Generates harmonics (requires filtering)
Limited overload capacity compared to synchronous machines
High initial cost of power electronics
Voltage support in weak transmission systems
Arc furnace power quality improvement
Reactive power compensation in industrial plants
SVCs are classified as shunt devices because they are connected in parallel with the transmission line to regulate voltage.
Option B, C, and D are incorrect because series compensation is typically achieved using TCSC or SSSC, and SVC is specifically a voltage-controlled shunt device.
A is correct — A Static VAR Compensator (SVC) acts as a shunt-connected device that controls voltage by injecting or absorbing reactive power.
Always remember: SVCs are shunt-connected to regulate V, while series compensation (like TCSC) is used to control line impedance and power flow.