Enhancement of the voltage stability and steady state performance of the cape corridor using phase shifting transformers

Abstract

In fully developed transmission power system, with networks overlaid with higher voltage transmission lines, power flows are predetermined by the network impedances, and generally cannot be controlled. Usually networks are developed initially using certain transmission voltages, and when lesser and lesser improvements in the transfers are realized, higher voltages are introduced. If the network that exists before higher voltage infrastructure is strong, power may choose to flow in that path, and this may lead to a serious underutilization of the newer, higher voltage lines. Phase shifting transformer can prove to be a useful tool available to the transmission system operator of the above described system to achieve improved steady state power transfer capability and voltage stability. This can be achieved when the phase shifting transformers are utilized in such a manner that the predetermined power flows are redefined to follow set transmission paths. This paper presents simulation studies performed on a network exhibiting characteristics of the system described above and proposes the phase shifting transformer to be a useful tool towards obtaining improved power system network performance.