Placement of FACTS devices for minimisation of voltage sag induced financial losses in Indian distribution systems

Abstract

Voltage sags and supply interruptions cause major economic loss due to loss of production or data; there is also a loss of market, client trust, comfort, etc. This incites consumers to implement mitigation device for their systems. Many solutions exist to minimise financial losses caused due to voltage sag, varying from modification within the industrial process itself to restructuring the supplying grid. In many cases, the only possibility to minimise financial losses is to install mitigation devices between the grid and the sensitive process. Use of FACTS devices has generally provided efficient solution to voltage sag problems in industry. This paper, therefore proposes a simple methodology for the placement of FACTS devices in distribution systems to reduce voltage sag induced financial losses. Two types of FACTS devices, D-STATCOM and SVC have been considered for the analysis. Case studies based on a real Indian distribution system are used to illustrate the modelling method, and the effectiveness of these devices for voltage sag mitigation.