This paper describes a novel approach in which solid-state synchronous voltage sources are employed for the dynamic compensation and real time control of power flow in transmission systems. The synchronous voltage source is implemented by a multi-pulse inverter using gate turn-off (GTO) thyristors. It is capable of generating internally the reactive power necessary for network compensation, and is also able to interface with an appropriate energy storage device to negotiate real power exchange with the ac system. The paper develops a comprehensive treatment of power flow control using solid-state synchronous voltage sources for shunt compensation, series compensation, and phase angle control. It also describes the unique unified power flow controller that is able to control concurrently or selectively all three network parameters (voltage, impedance, transmission angle) determining power transmission. Comparison of the synchronous voltage source approach with the more conventional compensation method of employing thyristor-switched capacitors and reactors shows its superior performance (including the unmatched capability of using both reactive and real power compensation to counteract dynamic disturbances), uniform applicability, smaller physical size, ana potentially lower-overall cost.
