An Overview of Essential Technologies for Retrofitting Thermal Power Generation Units into Synchronous Condensers

In HVDC systems, variations in the AC voltage at the converter station can jeopardize the secure and stable functioning of the converter. To prevent commutation failure and stabilise the voltage, dynamic reactive power support is required in the AC system. Transforming current thermal power units into synchronous condensers offers a cost-effective and practical solution. The key technologies, including reactive power compensation capacity optimisation, condition monitoring technology, operation and configuration optimisation in the conversion of thermal power generation units to synchronous condensers are reviewed in this paper, and the development trends are forecast.