Hybrid Synchronous Condenser System
A Hybrid Synchronous Condenser System (H-SCS) actively supports the grid and mitigates many challenges of electrical network stability due to poor power quality. Hitachi Energy’s innovative Hybrid Synchronous Condenser System provides the combined services of instantaneous reactive power compensation, short-circuit and inertial contribution to address the rising grid instability.
Hitachi Energy's H-SCS combined the advantages of synchronous condenser with the advantages from a grid forming STATCOM. Basic rule is to let each component focus on the part they are best for. H-SCS requires only one HV bay and can be controlled as one unit.
Hitachi Energy’s Hybrid Synchronous Condenser System makes use of the MACH control platform, the most modern and highest performance control system used for both FACTS and HVDC installations in over 600 system installations globally. Hitachi energy’s advanced control system will take care of internal load sharing and compensation. The control system manages to regulate the connection point on the HV side of the step-up transformer making the reference setting easier for the user.
Combing two different technologies makes it possible to optimize the installation on all parameters.
Machine focus |
STATCOM focus |
Short circuit |
Fast voltage control |
Inertia |
Overvoltage mitigation (Consume reactive power) |
Slow MVA control |
Power oscillation damping |
LVRT (overload) |
Active filtering |
The Hybrid Synchronous Condender (H-SCS) can have ratings > 400 MVA and inertia contribution can be improved by adding flywheel to the Synchronous Condenser.
With today’s rapidly changing grid requirements a H-SCS is a very flexible solution. Normally the H-SCS is managed as one unit, but it can run only the STATCOM or machine if that is enough to mitigate current network situation. These possibilities will significantly reduce losses and increase flexibility.
Hitachi Energy utilizes special design to get highest short circuit contribution from relatively small machines. With this concept is it possible to reach >1100 MVA with machine rating < 140 MVA. This will give a solution with lower losses comparing to a larger machine with “standard” design.
Hitachi Energy's Power Quality and Power Consulting departments, with extensive experience in solving power quality issues for different kinds of customers around the world, can support in defining the exact configuration and size of the required system.
Key Benefits
Additional short-circuit power
Increases transmission capacity and provides excellent fault ride‑through capability, enhancing overall grid robustness.
Hybrid STATCOM configuration benefits
Improves network stiffness and dynamic stability, supporting frequency control and transient performance adding flywheel will further increase inertia.
Voltage Control
Utilize STATCOM’s fast voltage regulation and power oscillation damping (POD) functions.
High overload capability
Provides sustained support during prolonged voltage sags and abnormal grid conditions.
The Hybrid Synchronous Condenser System gives unique opportunities to optimize a power quality system on several parameters and will work as a multi-function tool to secure the grid today and in the future. With only one HV bay is it possible to reduce footprint and simplify control and monitoring for the network owner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The common control system will ensure smooth operation to avoid oscillation between the two devices.
Load sharing is based on loss optimization calculation to minimize losses independent of load point.
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