The two SVCs (Static Var Compensators) in the Nemiscau substation, about 1000km north of Montreal, provide fast-acting reactive power compensation in the 735kV electricity network. The upgrades are scheduled to be completed by 2014.
“In addition to enhancing the reliability of the existing grid, these upgrades will also enable significant life extension of the SVCs and reduce electrical losses substantially,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division.
SVCs compensate for fluctuations in the voltage and current of an electric grid, thereby allowing more power to flow through the network while maintaining network safety and stability, says ABB. They are part of ABB’s family of flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) technologies, designed to help enhance the capacity, security and flexibility of power transmission systems, and also contribute to the development of smarter grids.
