Outdoor vs. Indoor STATCOM: Key Differences & Considerations STATCOMs (Static Synchronous Compensators) can be installed in outdoor or indoor configurations, depending on the application, environmental conditions, and space availability. Below is a detailed comparison: 1. Outdoor STATCOM Applications: Transmission grid support (substations, weak grid areas). Renewable energy plants (wind/solar farms). Industrial facilities requiring dynamic voltage control. Design Features: ✔ Enclosure: Weatherproof (IP54 or higher) to resist rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. Corrosion-resistant (galvanized steel or aluminum). Ventilation/cooling designed for outdoor conditions (liquid cooling preferred for high-power units). ✔ Cooling System: Liquid-cooled (most common for >50 MVA due to better heat dissipation). Forced air cooling (for smaller STATCOMs, but requires dust filters). ✔ Installation Advantages: No need for a dedicated building (saves space & cost). Easier to integrate into existing substations. ✔ Challenges: Higher maintenance due to exposure to weather (dust, humidity, UV). May require heating systems in cold climates to prevent freezing (for liquid-cooled units). 2. Indoor STATCOM Applications: Industrial plants (steel mills, data centers, semiconductor fabs). Urban grid installations (limited space, noise restrictions). High-reliability environments (where outdoor conditions are harsh). Design Features: ✔ Enclosure: Standard IP32 (no need for full weatherproofing). Mounted in electrical rooms or containers. ✔ Cooling System: Air-cooled (common for <50 MVA, simpler maintenance). Liquid-cooled (if space is constrained but power is high). ✔ Installation Advantages: Longer lifespan (protected from weather, dust, and vandalism). Easier maintenance (controlled environment). Lower noise (important for urban installations). ✔ Challenges: Requires dedicated building/space, increasing cost. Ventilation/AC needed to avoid overheating.

The cooling system of a STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and reliability, as power electronics (IGBTs, capacitors, etc.) generate significant heat during operation. The choice of cooling depends on the STATCOM’s power rating, installation environment, and efficiency requirements. Types of STATCOM Cooling Systems 1. Air Cooling (Forced Air) Used for: Low to medium power STATCOMs (up to ~50 MVA). How it Works: Heat sinks and fans dissipate heat from IGBT modules. Ambient air is circulated using forced ventilation. Advantages: Simple, low maintenance. No risk of coolant leakage. Disadvantages: Less efficient for high-power applications. Sensitive to dusty/humid environments. Example Applications: Industrial plants, small wind/solar farms. 2. Liquid Cooling (Water/Glycol-Based) Used for: Medium to high-power STATCOMs (50 MVAr to 300 MVAr+). How it Works: Coolant (deionized water or glycol mixture) circulates through cold plates attached to IGBTs. Heat is transferred to a heat exchanger and dissipated via radiators or chillers. Advantages: Higher heat dissipation than air cooling. Compact design, suitable for high-density power electronics. Disadvantages: More complex (pumps, pipes, heat exchangers). Risk of leaks if not properly maintained. Example Applications: HVDC stations, large solar/wind farms, transmission grid STATCOMs.

The installation of a STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) involves several key steps, including site assessment, design, equipment setup, testing, and commissioning. Below is a detailed guide on the installation process: 1. Pre-Installation Planning A. Site Assessment Voltage Level: Determine if the STATCOM will be installed at distribution (11 kV, 33 kV) or transmission (132 kV, 230 kV, 400 kV) level. Location: Near a substation for grid support. Close to wind/solar farms for reactive power compensation. Industrial plants with voltage flicker issues. Footprint & Space: STATCOMs require space for: Power converters (VSC-based) Cooling system (air/water-cooled) Step-up transformer (if needed) Control room & protection panels B. System Design & Sizing Reactive Power Requirement: Calculate based on load flow studies. STATCOM Rating: Choose between ±50 MVA, ±100 MVA, etc. Topology: Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC) with IGBT/GTO switches. Control Strategy: Decide between voltage regulation, power factor correction, or damping oscillations. 2. Installation Steps A. Civil & Electrical Works Foundation & Enclosure Setup Reinforced concrete base for heavy equipment. Weatherproof enclosure for outdoor installation. Cabling & Busbar Connections Connect STATCOM to the grid via coupling transformer (if needed). Install AC/DC cables and grounding system. Cooling System Installation Air-cooled: Fans & heat sinks. Liquid-cooled: Pipes & heat exchangers (for high-power STATCOMs). B. Equipment Installation Power Electronics (VSC Module) Mount IGBT-based converters in racks. Connect DC capacitors. Step-up Transformer (if required) Matches STATCOM output to grid voltage. Harmonic Filters (Optional) Reduces high-frequency switching harmonics. Protection & Control Panels Install relays, circuit breakers, and SCADA interface. C. Control & Communication Setup PLC/DSP Controller: For fast reactive power response. SCADA Integration: Remote monitoring & control. Synchronization: Ensure STATCOM matches grid frequency/phase. 3. Testing & Commissioning A. Pre-Energization Checks Insulation resistance test (Megger test). Cable continuity & polarity verification. Cooling system functionality test. B. Functional Tests No-Load Test Verify control logic without grid connection. Reactive Power Injection Test Check capacitive (voltage boost) & inductive (voltage dip) modes. Dynamic Response Test Simulate grid disturbances (e.g., sudden load changes). C. Grid Synchronization & Final Commissioning Gradually connect to the grid. Verify voltage stabilization performance. Obtain utility approval for full operation. 4. Post-Installation Considerations Maintenance: Regular inspection of cooling systems, capacitors, and IGBTs. Monitoring:...

The capacity of a STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) refers to its rated power output, typically measured in MVA (Mega Volt-Amperes) or kVAR (Kilo Volt-Amperes Reactive). The capacity determines how much reactive power the STATCOM can inject into or absorb from the power system to regulate voltage and improve stability. Typical STATCOM Capacities: Distribution Level: 1 MVA to 10 MVA (used for local voltage support in industrial plants or renewable energy integration). Transmission Level: 10 MVA to 100 MVA (used for grid voltage stabilization and dynamic reactive power compensation). Up to 300 MVA or more (for large-scale power systems, such as HVDC links or weak grid support). Factors Influencing STATCOM Capacity: System Voltage Level: Higher voltage systems (e.g., 230 kV, 400 kV) require higher MVA ratings. Reactive Power Demand: Determined by load fluctuations, renewable energy integration, or fault conditions. Dynamic Response Requirements: Faster response STATCOMs (e.g., for wind/solar farms) may have different sizing considerations. Manufacturer Specifications: Companies offer STATCOMs in various capacities. Example Applications: 50 MVAr STATCOM: Used for wind farm grid compliance. ±100 MVAr STATCOM: For transmission grid voltage support. ±200 MVAr+ STATCOM: For large industrial plants or weak grid interconnection. Would you like details on a specific STATCOM project or sizing calculation?contact us:sales@yt-electric.com

The voltage level of a STATCOM depends on its application, design, and connection point in the power system. Here’s a breakdown: 1. Typical Voltage Levels for STATCOMs STATCOMs are designed to operate at different voltage levels based on their use case: Application Voltage Level (kV) Remarks Transmission-Level STATCOM 115 kV – 765 kV Used in high-voltage grids for voltage stability and reactive power support. Sub-Transmission STATCOM 33 kV – 132 kV Supports regional grids and industrial networks. Distribution STATCOM (D-STATCOM) 6.6 kV – 33 kV Used in distribution networks for power quality improvement. Industrial STATCOM 0.4 kV – 11 kV Compensates for voltage sags/flicker in factories (e.g., steel plants, mining). 2. Key Factors Affecting STATCOM Voltage Level Grid Connection Point (Transmission vs. Distribution) Reactive Power Rating (Higher MVAr STATCOMs often connect at higher voltages) Transformer Coupling (Many STATCOMs use step-up transformers to match grid voltage) Standard Grid Voltages (Designed to comply with regional grid codes, e.g., 138 kV, 230 kV, 400 kV).

STATCOMs (Static Synchronous Compensators) are used by industries and utilities that require fast, dynamic reactive power compensation to stabilize voltage, improve power quality, and enhance grid reliability. Below are the major users of STATCOMs: Power Grid Operators (e.g., National Grid, PJM, AEMO) Renewable Energy Plants (Wind & Solar Farms) Steel/Mining Industries (for voltage flicker control) Railway Electrification (reactive power compensation) Others 1. Power Transmission & Utility Companies Applications: Voltage stabilization in long transmission lines. Preventing blackouts by supporting weak grids. Enhancing grid inertia (especially with renewable integration). Examples: National Grid (UK/US) → Uses STATCOMs for transient stability. Tennet (Germany/Netherlands) → Deploys STATCOMs in offshore wind connections. AEP (American Electric Power) → Uses STATCOMs for grid resilience. 2. Renewable Energy (Wind & Solar Farms) Applications: Reactive power support for weak grid connections. LVRT (Low Voltage Ride-Through) compliance. Reducing voltage flicker from wind turbine variability. Examples: Hornsdale Power Reserve (Australia) → STATCOM + Tesla battery for grid stability. Offshore wind farms (North Sea, USA) → STATCOMs in HVDC links. 3. Heavy Industries (Steel, Mining, Oil & Gas) Applications: Voltage flicker suppression (e.g., electric arc furnaces). Power factor correction for large motors & crushers. Harmonic filtering in semiconductor plants. Examples: Steel→ STATCOMs for arc furnace stability. Saudi Aramco (Oil & Gas) → STATCOMs for offshore rig power quality. 4. Railway & Metro Electrification Applications: Balancing reactive power in 25kV/50Hz traction systems. Mitigating voltage drops from high-speed trains. Examples: Deutsche Bahn (Germany) → STATCOMs for rail grid stability. Shanghai Metro (China) → Uses STATCOMs to prevent voltage sags. 5. Data Centers & Critical Facilities Applications: Preventing downtime from voltage sags/swells. Ensuring clean power for sensitive IT equipment. Examples: Google, Amazon, Microsoft → STATCOMs in hyperscale data centers. Hospitals & Airports → Backup STATCOM systems for UPS support. 6. HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) Links Applications: Reactive power support for converter stations. Black-start capability (restarting grids after outages).

A STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) plays a crucial role in maintaining voltage stability in power systems by dynamically injecting or absorbing reactive power (VARs). Its ability to regulate voltage levels makes it essential for improving power quality, especially in grids with high renewable energy penetration or heavily loaded networks. For modern grids, renewables, and dynamic voltage control, STATCOM is the superior choice due to its speed, compactness, and superior low-voltage performance. However, SVCs remain relevant for large-scale, cost-sensitive projects with less stringent response requirements. STATCOMs are highly effective in maintaining voltage levels by dynamically adjusting reactive power flow. Their fast response and flexibility make them superior to conventional compensators like SVCs, especially in modern power grids with high variability.

OUR GLOBAL FOOTPRINT   From Active Harmonic Filter to Static Var Generator, our products help Clients in 40+ countries,3000+ projects  regulate power factor and improve power quality. While we’ve been headquartered in Shanghai, since 2014, we have offices, manufacturing plants, research & development facilities and distributors in about 15 countries and territories around the world. Whether you’re looking for business opportunities, a position with SHANGHAI YT or to partner with us on a project, this map describes our project footprint in each location.   YTPQC Power Quality Devices(Active Power Filter, Static Var Generator) have been installed in U.K, Belgium, Netherland, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Indonesia,Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia,Canada,Mexico,Colombia,South Africa, U.A.E,S.A, China,etc

Shanghai Yingtong(YT) Electric is a pioneer and leader in power quality solutions, and specialize in R&D, production and sale of Active Power Filter, Static Var Generator, Active Load Balancer, Hybrid Reactive Power Compensation and Energy Storage System. YT is invested by CSG (Stock No. 300222), focus on new energy and power quality solutions, energy efficiency management system etc, support and service worldwide clients.YT Factory loctes in Songjiang District, Shanghai City.   Core R&D Team YT R&D team +20 years engaged in technical research and development, technical management and production management of products and projects in the fields of power electronics, power and electrical automation control, communication, software engineering, test engineering and other fields. We are developing New Products of Energy Storage, our products series covers Low Votlage Active Harmonic Filter, Low Votlage Static Var Generator, Low Votlage Hybrid Var Compenstor, Active Voltage Conditioner, Energy Storage Sysem.   Professinal Management Team General Manager, Mr Zhong is also a professional in power quality field and energy storage fields.    In 2008, The third prize of Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award; In 2010, The second prize of scientific and technological progress of the Ministry of Machinery Industry; In 2010, Leaders of three Shanghai high-tech achievement transformation projects; In 2011, he was rated as a senior engineer of electronic information. 82 patents, including 37 invention patents and 8 papers published. Executive Deputy General Mrs Zhang, Co-Partner of YT Electric is a leader and professor in management   Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Former general manager of a Fortune 500 company Global Operation Leader,ANTAI Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiaotong University (CLGO) MBA Lean Management Course Distinguished Lecturer Master of Industrial Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University EMBA,China Europe International Business College Over 25 years of working experience in state-owned, foreign and private companies, Accumulation of substantial amounts involved in strategic planning and execution, Sales market, new product development, operation management, quality management, Hands-on experience in supply chain management, human resources and finance. Published 3 books and translated 3 Lean monographs. TOP 5 Strength: Achievement, Strategy, Learning, Concentration, Confidence Modern Production Line High quality The products manufactured by advanced manufacturing technology have high quality, good performance, good use performance, high service life and reliability. High efficient Compared with the traditional manufacturing process, the advanced manufacturing process can greatly improve the labor productivity and greatly reduce the labor intensity and production cost of the operator. Low consumption Advanced manufacturing processes can greatly save raw materi...