Synchronous Condenser

Cost Effective Power Transfer

GE Vernova’s Synchronous Condenser Systems are engineered and designed to provide a highly reliable and efficient solution to address reactive compensation and voltage support requirements, providing transmission operators an optimized solution for cost, performance and operational flexibility.

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Synchronous Condenser

Cost Effective Power Transfer

Today’s Challenging Environment

For most utilities ensuring grid reliability, efficiency, and security is a primary concern. As the grid evolves and load profiles change, stresses are being put onto transmission and distribution networks, making the work of grid management much more challenging. Globally, utilities are facing many grid challenges and market condition changes including:

Changes in generation mix
Decrease in conventional generation
Increase in renewable and distributed generation
Environmental and regulatory policy changes, driving the retirement of traditional coal generating stations

These challenges have an operational impact on the electrical infrastructure, in particular creating an overall deficiency in:

Reactive compensation support
Voltage support
System inertia
Low short circuit ratios on the network

GE Vernova’s Solution

GE Vernova offers transmission utilities a simple and reliable solution to address reactive compensation and voltage support requirements. Our newly re-designed motor based Synchronous Condensers are custom designed to provide transmission operators with a proven, robust and reliable solution.

GE Vernova Synchronous Condenser Overview
Ratings	Range from 10 to 300 Mvar+ per machine
Rotor	Round 2-Pole or Solid Salient Pole
Poles	2, 4 or 6
Excitation	Static or Brushless
Starting	Full Voltage, Reduced Voltage, Reactor start, Pony Motor
Cooling	TEWAC, TEAAC, WP, TEPV

The GE Vernova Advantage

GE Vernova’s Synchronous Condenser Systems are engineered and designed to provide a highly reliable and efficient solution, providing an optimized solution for cost, performance and operational flexibility.

Modular design resulting in operational flexibility and decreased down time

GE Vernova has combined multiple synchronous condenser machines into systems that allow for reduced overall footprint, customize Mvar ratings and maintenance flexibility for utilities to reduce operational downtime.

Robust design with extended life resulting in minimal maintenance

GE Vernova synchronous condensers have superior construction, resulting in high efficiency, reliability, and provide easy access for routine maintenance and low vibration for a long life.

Customized design and use of innovate technology resulting in increased reliability and reduced risk of failure

Unique forged integral pole tip design well suited to high load inertia applications. Low mechanical stress is achieved through:

Fewer loose components
Improved mechanical stability
Reduced hot spots during starting
No pole screw locking concerns
No differential thermal expansion problems
Proven experience including the world’s largest 1,800rpm motor

Extensive experience resulting in seamless integration into the utility transmission grid

GE Vernova leads the industry with more than 100 years of experience and the proven synchronous condenser design has been applied in over 200 applications.

Key Benefits of GE Vernova’s Synchronous Condensers

Short-term Overload Capability

The GE Vernova Synchronous Condenser has a large current overload capability. which can provide beneficial system support during emergencies or short term contingencies. As can be seen below, a GE Vernova Synchronous Condenser can provide more than two times its rating for up to 10 seconds. The machine’s significant overload capability can be accounted for in choosing the size of the machine required.

Low Voltage Ride Through

The GE Vernova Synchronous Condenser system has the ability to remain connected and to provide the necessary system benefits even under extreme low voltage contingencies. Mechanical inertia combined with state of the art excitation provides smooth reliable support that is naturally compatible with generation. Power electronic-based solutions do not have mechanical inertia and therefore cannot deliver comparable ride-through performance.

Provides System Inertia

Inertia is an inherent feature of a Synchronous Condenser, since it is a rotating machine. The benefit of this inertia is improved frequency regulation where more renewable generation is being added or where existing generation is being retired.

Response Time

GE Vernova Synchronous Condensers are fast enough to meet dynamic response requirements by using modern excitation and control systems. GE Vernova has integrated today’s advancements in control technologies into a proven machine design to make that solution better than ever.

Short Circuit Contribution

Synchronous Condensers provide real short circuit strength to the grid. Increased short circuit improves system stability with weak interconnections, facilitates system protection and can improve the operation of modern power electronics installations.

Minimal Harmonic Generation

The Synchronous Condenser is not a source of harmonics and can even absorb harmonic currents. The lack of harmonics help make the synchronous condenser friendly to the surrounding grid and other devices. This provides for ease of integration into existing networks.

Minimal Network Interactions

The GE Vernova Synchronous Condenser mitigates system control interaction concern by utilizing traditional and robust electrical components combined with state of the art control architecture that does not cause undesirable interactions with your existing FACTS devices.

Installation & Maintenance Benefits

Fast Project Cycle Time

The system only requires integration to commonly available power delivery components resulting in accelerated project cycle times. The design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a Synchronous Condenser system can be completed within 16 months. GE Vernova’s experienced Power Projects team has 99% record of on-time project completion and greater than 98% on-budget execution.

Proven Design and Increased Reliability

The GE Vernova Synchronous Condenser is designed to provide trouble-free, reliable service and is a proven solution with more than 200 applications over nearly a century. Advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques, combined with modern control technologies, have greatly improved the reliability and functionality of this robust, time-tested solution. Operators can now utilize the simplicity of electro-mechanical system combined with the benefits of a state of the art excitation and control system in order to meet their grid support needs.

Minimal Maintenance

The GE Vernova Synchronous Condensers proven design requires minimum maintenance resulting in minimal operating costs and reduced total cost of ownership.

Core Components

GE Vernova’s Synchronous Condenser system consists of components commonly used in electric utilities and industrial facilities, with proven robustness and reliability.

Integrated Intelligent Controls

Control Systems & Protection Relays

Proven controls architecture
Multilin multi-function digital protection relays
Secure communications infrastructure
Human Machine Interface (HMI) operator friendly
Digital solid state controls

Power Delivery Equipment

Generator Step Up (GSU) transformer
HV/MV circuit breakers & switches
Ancillary systems (lube oil skid)
Starting reactors
Instrument transformers (CT/VT)

Typical Applications

HVDC

Provides Short Circuit Strength
Dynamic reactive power support (voltage regulation)
Reduces local harmonic distortion (filter)

Wind/Solar

Improves or increases short circuit ratio (SCR)
Dynamic voltage support
Can improve and extend wind plant capacity ratings
Provides inertia to improve frequency regulation

Synch Condenser Upgrades

Higher reliability and efficiency
Lower total cost of ownership
Modern controls and excitation – improved response time

Grid Code Compliance

Enhanced ROCOF (Rate of Change of Frequency)
Improved LVRT (Low Voltage Ride Through)

Grid Support

Local voltage support during contingencies and faults
Provides short term overload capability
Improves weak AC grid performance
EHV cables
Excessive shunt compensation
Weak AC Grid

Regulatory/Environmental

Condenser can replace the dynamic voltage regulation and inertia from retired units
Allows utility to maintain system performance and grid stability
EPA Coal Requirements
Once thru cooling requirements
Generation Retirements

Customer Case Studies

Customer Name

Vermont Electric Company (VELCO)

Location

Granite Substation, Vermont, USA

Application / Challenge:

As part of the Northwest Vermont Reliability Project a number of upgrades were investigated to provide for the reactive power needs at the Granite substation. Simulations indicated that the power system is very near a point of voltage instability. In the case of an outage of the Vermont Yankee – Coolidge 345kV line, a continuous reactive power control device is critical to prevent voltage collapse.

Solution:

Qty (4) +25/-12.5 Mvar sync condensers
Qty (4) 25 Mvar shunt banks (MSC)
Qty (2) Phase shifting transformers
Integrated control system

Reasons cited for the synchronous condenser over static devices include low voltage ride through capability and the high short time overload characteristics. The overload capability of the condensers provides sufficient time for the mechanically switched 115kV shunt capacitors to be placed into service.

Customer Name

Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO)

Location

Jeju Converter Station Jeju Island, Korea

Application / Challenge:

The function of a synchronous condenser system in a weak AC grid, and especially one that connects via an HVDC converter terminal, is to improve short circuit strength, provide inertia, and improve reliability.

Solution:

GE Vernova supplied two +50/-25 Mvar synchronous condensers to KEPCO that allow the Chejuu-Haenam HVDC link to continue to cost effectively and efficiently provide power to the island.

With successful installation of the synchronous condensers, KEPCO will be able to retire their existing, converted gas turbine synchronous condensers and transport more power on the existing grid network.

Series Compensation Systems

Cost Effective Power Transfer

GE Vernova’s Series Compensation System allows utilities to cost effectively increase power transfer capabilities of their existing infrastructure and new transmission lines.

Series compensation systems are installed in series with the High Voltage transmission line, and consist of an integrated, custom-designed system with many power capacitors arranged in series and parallel. The most critical equipment is the parallel protective system that prevents damage to the capacitors during power system faults.

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Whitepaper

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Whitepaper

Series Compensation Systems

Cost Effective Power Transfer

GE Vernova’s Series Compensation System allows utilities to cost effectively increase power transfer capabilities of their existing infrastructure and new transmission lines.

Overview

Today’s transmission system is becoming increasingly complex and is expected to carry bulk power in ways it was never designed for. The expectation is that transmission requirements will only increase, as power generation sources continue to evolve. GE Vernova’s Series Compensation System allows utilities to cost effectively increase the power transfer capabilities of their existing infrastructure and new transmission lines, leveraging GE Vernova’s capabilities as outlined below.

Extensive Global and Unmatched Technical Experience

A worldwide leader in executing and delivering series compensation projects, in a broad range of utility environments resulting in reduced implementation risk.

More than a century of experience designing transmission networks, including the first series compensation project in 1928
Leading the industry by delivering over 30,000 Mvars of series compensation systems in the last three years
Globally recognized as the foremost technical experts for power system projects since 1928

Industry Leading Patented Technology

Providing superior systems enabled by GE Vernova’s innovate products resulting in project cost savings and increased quality and reliability.

Fastest Triggered Air Gap (TAG) available in the industry
Newly patented TAG and Platform Damping Technologies
Pioneered the use of SSR filter technology in a series capacitor system

Best-in-class Quality and Process Standards

Industry leading and well-established set of project management processes and procedures, certified to ISO® 9001 standards, resulting in on-time and on-budget execution.

99% record of on-time project completion
Greater than 98% on-budget execution
Over 3.6 million hours of project execution without an OSHA® recordable incident

Components of a Series Capacitor Bank

Series Compensation System Components

GE Vernova’s Series Compensation System is comprised with industry leading and patented technology, helping customers achieve high reliability and lowest possible losses on their transmission lines. The major components of the Series Compensation System include Capacitors, Metal Oxide Varistors, Triggered Air Gap, and Fast By-Pass Switches.

Capacitors

The capacitors are placed in series on a transmission circuit intended to reduce the overall line impedance and offers improved load division on parallel circuits, system transient and steady state system stability and allows for increased power transfer capability.

Modular Arc Commutating Triggered Air Gap (MACTAG)

A MACTAG is often used as an intermediate bypass device and is faster than the bypass switch, but not instantaneous like the Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). GE Vernova’s patented design uses plasma injection to establish an arc which bypasses the capacitors and MOV until the bypass switch can close. GE Vernova’s MACTAG is the fastest in the industry (< 0.3 ms) as it does not rely on ground-based controls to initiate a bypass. A MACTAG lowers MOV cost by reducing the required MOV energy absorption.

Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)

MOV are the primary device that protects the capacitors from overvoltage by diverting fault current. The MOV are semiconductors that conduct above a specific voltage, known as the Protective Level Voltage. The MOV limits the voltage across the capacitor bank to a safe value for the capacitors handling very high current for short periods of time and protect the capacitors until another bypass path is established.

Fast By-Pass (Priority Close) Switch

The Fast By-Pass Switch closes rapidly to limit both MOV and TAG energy, removing the series capacitors from service. This switch is also used for normal switching to insert the series capacitors or bypass them.

Series Capacitor Bank – One Line Diagram

Capacitor Options

GE Vernova’s Series Compensation offerings include three capacitor options: fuseless, internally fused or externally fused. GE Vernova works with customers to evaluate their requirements and determine the best technical solution to meet customer needs to ensure, reliable and cost effective system.

Fuseless Design

Lowest losses, typically < 0.12 watts/kvar
High reliability: A lower internal element voltage stress rise for the same number of internal failures in comparison to an internally fused option
A higher unbalanced current for the same internal element voltage stress
Fault tolerance with continued operation even with failed rolls
GE Vernova recommended option

Internally Fused Design

Losses typically > 0.15 watts/kvar
One fuse per internal roll. Each roll is protected by an internal fuse element
The fuse allows a roll to fail as an open circuit
There are multiple rolls in parallel. This places a very small incremental stress on adjacent rolls when a fuse operates. This helps prevent a cascading failure within an individual can

Externally Fused Design

One fuse per capacitor unit. Fewer connections mean fewer points of failure
Facilitates easy identification of a failed unit as the blown fuse is obvious
Once the standard, now limited specialty applications

GE Vernova's Fuseless Design

GE Vernova recommends the fuseless option, which has been the dominant technology since the late 1990’s and is proven with a long term field failure rate of less than 0.03% per year. The film foil capacitor is a proven GE Vernova design that has been in use since the 1970s. The fuseless design produces the highest unbalance current (easy to detect a failed roll) with the lowest voltage stress on the remaining units (lower chance for a cascading failure). The diagram below depicts the two capacitor groups.

Project Management Approach

The GE Vernova project team represents unsurpassed worldwide power system engineering capabilities, comprehensive system design expertise, and unequaled project management experience. Our strength in each of these areas enables us to deliver a highly reliable solution that will fully meet your power system requirements. With each reactive compensation project GE Vernova undertakes, this team is committed to delivering 100% satisfaction.

Professional Services Process and Key Activities

Global Experience and Application Examples

GE Vernova’s Series Compensation Systems brings together an extensive portfolio of products, services and engineering excellence to deliver the next generation systems for customers based on specific requirements to address both technical and business objectives as well as support several applications. GE Vernova provides highly reliable and efficient designs that have low overall maintenance and cost of ownership. Below are just a few of GE Vernova’s selection of customer applications.

Cross Texas Transmission

Three Phase Bank Rating: 2 x 716 Mvar
Substations: Turkey, Texas – Cross Station 1 & 2

Customer Challenge

Maintain voltage stability and efficient operations of the Texas Transmission System under minimum and maximum export of wind power.

Customer Application

50% compensation on 2 transmission lines from Tule Canyon to Tesla required series compensation to reduce the inductive line impedance compiled due to long line length.

Customer Benefit

Ability to maximize amount of wind power to be transferred across the new 345 kV transmission lines.

Electricity of Vietnam

18 banks from 2012 - 2016
6,588 total Mvar in operation and awarded

Customer Challenge

Improve capacity of the 500 kV Vietnam transmission system with a compressed amount of time of less than 12 months to install systems.

Customer Application

Increase in the power transfer capability of existing transmission lines.

Customer Benefit

Increased reliability of existing transmission systems, improved voltage support and amount of power transfer capability and timely delivery of equipment meeting compact schedule requirements.

Electric Transmission Texas, LLC

Joint venture a joint venture between subsidiaries of American Electric Power and Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Edison, Gauss, Kirschoff, and Orsted Substations.

Customer Challenge

Need to provide reliable and efficient power across the new 345-kV transmission lines required to maximize the transfer of renewable generation. Must not negatively interact with the existing generation or system – Sub Synchronous Resonance concerns.

Customer Application

Eight series compensation banks located at four different sites to enable the maximum amount of power transfer capability on new 345-kV transmission lines in the CREZ regions throughout Texas.

Customer Benefit

Reliable and efficient means to transfer power from renewable generation on the new 345-kV transmission lines in the CREZ areas.

BPA (Bonneville Power Administration)

Three Phase Bank Rating: 2 X 675 Mvar
Substations: Bakeoven 1 & 2

Customer Challenge

Need to provide reliable and efficient power across the 500 kV California-Oregon Intertie . Required to increase the overall power transfer capability across the tie to facilitate the increase in capacity requirements from renewable generation projects being added to the regional system.

Customer Application

To enable the maximum amount of power transfer capability on the California-Oregon 500 kV transmission intertie.

Customer Benefit

Reliable and efficient means to transfer power from renewable generation on the new 500 kV transmission California-Oregon Intertie. GE Vernova supported a staged fault test performed by BPA, which demonstrated the capability of the GE Vernova Series Capacitor banks to withstand a close-in fault with no damage.

Modular Arc Commutating Triggered Air Gap (MACTAG)

GE Vernova’s family of Modular Arc Commutating Triggered Air Gap (MACTAG) solutions represent the industries leading technology for fast protective devices. The patented technology provides fast, reliable bypass protection, which can reduce the amount of Metal Oxide Varistors (MOV) required on a series capacitor bank resulting in project cost savings.

Customers can realize the following potential advantages with GE Vernova’s MACTAG solutions including:

Enhanced Fault Durability and Voltage Withstand Performance
Higher Protective Level Ratings with Fast Recovery Time Validated by Independent 3rd Party
50% Smaller Footprint with Reduced Installation Time

GE Vernova’s MACTAG is available in two models: MACTAG 240 and MACTAG 360. The MACTAG models are the fastest TAG’s in the industry and suitable for fast recovery applications. For applications where fast recovery time is not required, a Pilot Gap only option is available. The models include:

Modular Arc Commutating Triggered Air Gap

MACTAG 240, maximum protective level of 240-250kV*
MACTAG 360, maximum protective level of 360-400kV*
( * Depends on the application )

MACTAG 360

MACTAG 240

Pilot Gap (Suitable where fast recovery is not required)

PG 240, maximum protective level of 240-250kV*
PG 360, maximum protective level of 360-400kV*

PG 240

PG 360

FKGA8 Generator Circuit Breaker

Designed for Power Plants from 700 to 1,500 MW

GE Vernova's FKGA8 generator circuit breaker is the ideal solution for large nuclear, coal or hydro power plants. The compact footprint of the single-phase design makes it suitable for new installations or retrofits of existing GCBs. It is equipped with a highly reliable spring-spring-operated mechanism per pole.

Generator Circuit Breakers

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Generator Circuit Breakers

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FKGA8 Generator Circuit Breaker

Designed for Power Plants from 700 to 1,500 MW

Advanced Architecture

Based on more than 40 years experience in providing generator circuits breakers with performances up to 1,500 MW, GE Vernova introduces the FKGA8 with well recognized and advanced architecture suitable for large power plants. The circuit breaker's main contacts are in air, separated from the arcing SF₆ chamber. These contacts are therefore protected from the hot current breaking SF₆ gases including contaminated particles and associated by-products, reducing premature aging of the equipment. Additionally the combination of the circuit-breaker and the disconnector functions avoids energy losses caused by conventional in-line disconnector.

Enhanced Inspection and Maintenance

The architecture of the FKGA8 allows an easy observation of the main contacts throughout the GCB's periodic inspections. The value of having accessibility without dismantling of circuit breaker is enhanced by the fact that contact resistance measurement cannot alone be considered as reliable evidence (as notified by the latest IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 ) of the contact health. By segregating the main contacts from the interrupting SF₆ gas, the new FKGA8 provides also simple access from outside the breaker during a short, normally scheduled power plant shutdown.

Single-Line-Diagram

1) Circuit breaker with integrated air-disconnector 1a) Main contacts
1b) Arcing contacts
1c) Safety Visual Switch
1a + 1b) = Circuit breaker
1a + 1c) = Disconnector
2) Earthing switch
3) Capacitors
4) Surge arresters
5) Voltage transformers
6) Current transformers

Key Benefits

Advanced architecture of circuit breaker reduces premature aging by relocating the main contacts outside of the SF₆ environment
Combination of circuit breaker and disconnector function minimizes energy losses
Reduced SF₆ volume of arcing chamber for lower environmental impact
Reliable spring-spring-operated mechanism per pole
Main contact's inspection and maintenance made easier and less time consuming
Compact breaker size both for retrofits and new installations

Performance

Ratings	Units				FKGA8
Rated max. voltage	kV				33
Short-circuit breaking current	kA				Up to 210
Ambient air temperature limits	°C				-20 °C to +40 °C
Busbar temperature limit/Enclosure temperature limit	°C		90/70 °C				105/80 °C
Frequency	Hz	50		60		50		60
Max. rated nominal current*
- Indoor with ambient air 40 °C	A	30,000		28,500		27,200		24,500
- Outdoor with ambient air 40 °C	A	29,000		26,200		26,200		23,300
*Up to 40,000 A with IPB longitudal forced air cooling

		FKGA8 Circuit Breaker	FKGA8 Integrated Air-Disconnector	MKG Earthing Switch
Rated peak withstand current	kApeak	685	685	575
Rated short-time withstand current	kA	250	250	210
Rated duration of short-circuit	s	3	3	3