CHAPTER 5 - METHODS OF IMPROVING THE POWER-HANDLING CAPACITY AND STABILITY OF TRANSMISSION LINES AND POWER SYSTEMS

Abstract

This chapter discusses the methods of improving the power-handling capacity and stability of transmission lines and power systems. An electrical power system contains many separate elements, some of these elements, such as turbines, generators with their excitation systems, transformers, transmission lines, synchronous condensers which control the reactive power, and switchgear, form in combination the main structure of the power system. These elements are essential for the operation of the system. Other elements, without which the system can operate reasonably well, perform various auxiliary functions. Their purpose is to improve the power-handling capacity and the reliability of operation of the system as a whole. The effect produced by the auxiliary equipment must be taken into account when a new system is being designed. The correct choice of the main elements of the system cannot be made without considering the improvement in its operation that can be attained by adding the various auxiliary elements. The methods of improving stability involve very little extra cost. They require certain changes in the system circuits and some automatic control devices, and they can be introduced either initially in the design stage, or subsequently into a system already in operation.