STATCOM systems compensate for voltage fluctuations and ensure grid quality. MR Power Quality developed a space-saving solution specifically for industrial applications that can be installed quickly and with minimal planning effort. Voltage regulation has never been so easy!
High performance in a small space
The GRIDCON® STATCOM MMC system has a modular design and can be configured for a power range of 6 kV to 33 kV, depending on the application.
Click on the -symbols for more information on the areas.
What’s inside the container
1 Valve Room
The valve room houses the heart of the STATCOM system: the modular multilevel converter (MMC), which MR developed in-house and manufactures in Regensburg. As the name suggests, it consists of several modules, each of which comprises power semiconductors and capacitors. Each individual module can supply positive, negative, or zero voltage. When the modules are cleverly combined and connected in series, a cleanly shaped sinusoidal voltage can be reproduced, which can be used to specifically shift the current phase relative to the grid voltage. In this way, the STATCOM system can generate or absorb reactive power. At the same time, existing harmonics in the grid can be specifically compensated by the clean sine waveform.
2 Cooling system
The power-electronic components in the MMC generate heat loss. To protect the sensitive technology from overheating, MR relies on water cooling, which has a significantly higher cooling capacity than air. This allows the power electronics to be packed more densely, which further reduces the space required by the system. A stable operating temperature also reduces the thermal load and thus extends the service life of the components.
3 Control room
This is where the power distribution and control cabinets for controlling, monitoring, and powering the STATCOM system are located. The operator can conveniently operate the system and read the operating data in real time via a monitor.
The principle
How the STATCOM system works, using Stahlwerk Thüringen GmbH as an example.
The grid operator sets contractual limits for reactive power, harmonics, and power consumption. If too much reactive power is fed back into the grid, this means more work and higher costs for the energy supplier. These costs are passed on to customers if they exceed their contractual limits.
At the SWT site, two transformers step down the incoming high voltage from the energy supplier from 110 kV to 6.3 kV and feed it into the busbar to which the large drives are connected.
At the SWT steelworks, some of the large drives in the rolling mill are DC-powered and controlled by power electronics. The dynamic processes (braking, acceleration, changes in direction) cause significant fluctuations in reactive power demand. In addition, the frequency converters of the drives generate harmonics that not only have a negative impact on the supply grid, but can also interfere with the plant’s own drive and control technology. If SWT does not compensate for reactive power and harmonics, this results in considerable additional costs.
The GRIDCON® STATCOM MMC system fulfills three functions:
- Voltage regulation: The system keeps the voltage stable at its connection point by feeding in or absorbing reactive power.
- Reactive power compensation: Depending on the needs of the grid, the system supplies capacitive or inductive reactive power.
- Improvement of grid stability: Voltage dips, flicker, and harmonics are reduced.
Fast, compact, and efficient
The main advantages of the GRIDCON® STATCOM MMC system from MR Power Quality:
Compact
The STATCOM system requires fewer components than a conventional compensation system with all the technology for reactive power compensation housed in a container which can also be installed outdoors without any additional construction work, thereby reducing costs and shortening commissioning times.
Flexible
The system has a modular design and can be configured for a connection voltage of 6 kV to 33 kV and a power range of 18 to 100 MVAR. This makes the system suitable for various industrial applications and allows it to be adapted and expanded at any time. Thanks to the container solution, the system is also mobile and can be rebuilt at another location if necessary.
Fast
Compared to conventional compensation systems (e.g. SVC–static var compensators), the STATCOM reacts within milliseconds to load changes, voltage dips, and flicker. This ensures a high level of operational reliability, especially in sensitive infrastructure and dynamic environments.
Efficient
STATCOMs use modern power electronics and do not require filter circuits which means that losses are significantly lower compared to conventional systems. In addition, the reactive power can be regulated continuously and without steps, which makes control very precise and prevents over- or under-compensation.
Mehr Informationen
Read more about MR Power Quality’s GRIDCON® STATCOM solutions.
YOUR CONTACT
Do you have questions about the technical details of the GRIDCON®STATCOM MMC system?
Thomas Röseler is here to help:
T.Roeseler@reinhausen.com
Would you like an on-site consultation?
Thomas Simon will be happy to visit you:
M.Poschenrieder@reinhausen.com