Use of modular power flow control to improve network efficiency in the distribution network

Widespread changes in power production sources and demand have produced three significant challenges in the distribution network. The first challenge results from frequent and short-term changes in power flows from renewable energies and new powerful electric appliances (e.g. heat pumps and electrical vehicles). It is causing many new and time-dependent capacity issues to arise. The second challenge is reducing the existing time duration for implementing new line or cable projects. Finally, the third issue is managing rapid increases in load demand from new businesses or sectors e.g. datacentres, air conditioning, electrolysers or arc furnace devices for steel production. The paper discusses the ability of one form of modular Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC), the Modular Static Synchronous Series Compensators (MSSSC), to mitigate each of these three challenges. For each challenge the paper describes, why it was considered, and how it would work is described. Real life worked examples plus results from site-specific analysis of the effectiveness of the technology are presented. Furthermore, the paper shows the methodology applied. It discusses how first a screening approach was used to determine prime locations, then how more detailed network modelling was used to determine the size and adequacy of the new technical solution.