P37.116: HVDC Converter Stations and Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) Devices

Novel Concepts for DC Circuit Breakers and DC-DC Transformers: This task evaluates and documents emerging converter, DC circuit breaker, and DC DC transformer concepts to support AC to DC conversions and future DC grid operation. Research has examined a range of voltage source converter (VSC) topologies—including tri pole configurations, transformer less VSCs, modular multilevel converters, and fault current blocking designs—through simulation, laboratory prototyping, and technology assessments. More recent work has focused on compact converter stations, advanced DC circuit breaker technologies, and DC DC transformers. Future efforts will document additional VSC topologies, such as alternate arm converters for fault current limitation and identify opportunities for prototype demonstration at utility sites through supplemental funding. Research priorities are guided by member and industry input.

Best Practices for Operation, Maintenance, and Refurbishment for Life Extension of FACTS Controllers – SVC and STATCOM Life Extension Guidelines: This task develops guidance to support life extension planning for FACTS controllers, including SVCs, STATCOMs, SSSCs, and UPFCs. Utility surveys are used to assess current operating and maintenance practices and to identify common challenges and priorities. Based on these findings, best practices for operation, maintenance, refurbishment, and replacement are developed. The work also evaluates requirements for vendor independent, plug and play components to support upgrades and modernization of existing FACTS installations.

Performance and Cost Comparison of FACTS Controllers: This activity evaluates the performance, cost, and operational characteristics of FACTS controllers through utility surveys, analytical studies, and case based comparisons. Past work has assessed valve cooling system life, harmonic mitigation strategies, and comparative performance of devices such as TCSC, SSSC, SVC, STATCOM, synchronous condensers, UPFCs, and IPFCs. More recent studies have examined STATCOM applications with energy storage. These results are consolidated into application guidance and case studies, with future work expanding coverage to renewable integration use cases.

HVDC & FACTS Technology Watch Newsletter: The annual HVDC & FACTS Technology Watch newsletter provides timely updates on global installations, technology advancements, and emerging trends. The newsletter supports awareness of new developments and helps identify future research opportunities.

HVDC & FACTS Conference and Workshop: An HVDC & FACTS conference or a workshop is organized in alternating years, and a conference is expected to be held in 2027. The conference provides a forum for members to learn, gain, and share experience with other utilities and for the suppliers to present their latest technology to members. The workshops vary in scope from HVDC and FACTS basics to specialized topics, such as modular multilevel VSCs.

Updated HVDC Reference Book: The HVDC Reference Book is updated regularly to reflect evolving technology and operating experience. Updates support system specification, line and cable design, cost estimation, and life extension assessments. Recent revisions have addressed overhead lines, cables, VSC based transmission, and converter cost estimates, with future updates planned for HVDC cables, VSC technologies, and electrical effects based on testing results.

Updated FACTS Reference Book: The FACTS Reference Book provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics based transmission controllers, covering design considerations, testing, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and future trends. The book supports planning and deployment of FACTS technologies to improve controllability and increase transmission capacity. Ongoing updates continue to expand coverage across controller types and applications. In 2025 a chapter on voltage regulators and phase shifters was completed. Eleven chapters were completed so far, and five chapters were outlined for future completion.