Effective Utilization of Transmission Line Capacity in a Meshed Network with Series Capacitor up to Its Thermal Limit: A Recent Study

Abstract

To reduce the total cost of power generation, power grid networks are becoming more integrated for the purpose of power transmission. With insufficient control, power systems become more difficult to operate and less secure. The economics of alternating current power transmission have always compelled planners to transmit as much power as possible through a given transmission line. Many networks have crowded smaller and thermally limited lines, while other higher capacity lines run well below their thermal maximum. When series capacitors are used in higher voltage cables, power can be transferred from overloaded lines, maximising the use of the existing line and supplementing the power system's performance. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate efficient line network utilisation for maximum power flow through the intended line with series capacitor compensation using a three-line meshed power system network with different thermal line limits. The simulations using the PowerWorld simulator show that adding a series capacitor increases the power transfer through the line before it reaches its thermal limit.