The Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) Training Course offered by Oxford Training Centre, under the Power Systems and Maintenance category, is designed to develop advanced technical knowledge and practical understanding of modern power transmission technologies. The course provides a comprehensive overview of FACTS technology, focusing on its applications in improving power system performance, enhancing transmission capacity, controlling voltage, and maintaining grid stability. Participants explore the operating principles, configurations, and applications of Flexible AC Transmission Systems in modern electrical power networks.
The programme examines different types of FACTS devices, including Static VAR Compensators (SVC), Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSC), and Unified Power Flow Controllers (UPFC). Participants develop an understanding of reactive power compensation, voltage regulation, power flow management, and transmission stability. The course also explores modern grid control techniques, system monitoring, equipment protection, and the integration of FACTS solutions into existing transmission infrastructure. Through structured learning, participants gain the technical capabilities required to evaluate FACTS applications, improve power network efficiency, and support reliable electricity transmission.
Objectives
By the end of the Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) Training Course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental principles and operating concepts of FACTS technology.
- Identify different types of FACTS devices and their applications in power systems.
- Explain the role of reactive power compensation in electrical transmission networks.
- Understand voltage regulation and power flow control techniques.
- Evaluate the impact of FACTS technology on transmission stability.
- Analyse the operating principles of SVC, STATCOM, TCSC, and UPFC systems.
- Understand power system oscillations and damping control methods.
- Identify suitable FACTS solutions for different transmission network requirements.
- Understand protection, monitoring, and control requirements for FACTS installations.
- Evaluate the integration of FACTS devices into existing electrical grids.
- Improve power system reliability, efficiency, and operational performance.
- Apply modern grid control concepts to support stable electricity transmission.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for professionals involved in electrical engineering, power generation, transmission, distribution, and power system management, including:
- Electrical and power systems engineers.
- Transmission and distribution engineers.
- Substation engineers and supervisors.
- Power system planning and design engineers.
- Electrical maintenance engineers.
- Grid operations and control room personnel.
- Protection and control engineers.
- Renewable energy and grid integration specialists.
- Power generation plant engineers.
- Electrical project managers and technical consultants.
- Utility operations and maintenance professionals.
- Engineering graduates seeking advanced power systems knowledge.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Flexible AC Transmission Systems
- Fundamentals of AC power transmission systems.
- Evolution and development of FACTS technology.
- Need for flexible power transmission solutions.
- Challenges in modern electrical transmission networks.
- Benefits and applications of FACTS systems.
- Overview of FACTS configurations and classifications.
Module 2: Fundamentals of Power System Operation
- Basic principles of electrical power systems.
- Active and reactive power fundamentals.
- Voltage and frequency regulation.
- Power flow and transmission line characteristics.
- Transmission losses and network limitations.
- Power system stability requirements.
Module 3: Classification and Types of FACTS Devices
- Overview of shunt-connected FACTS devices.
- Series-connected FACTS devices.
- Combined series-shunt compensation systems.
- Static VAR Compensators (SVC).
- Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM).
- Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSC).
- Unified Power Flow Controllers (UPFC).
Module 4: Reactive Power Compensation and Voltage Control
- Principles of reactive power compensation.
- Voltage regulation in transmission networks.
- Shunt compensation techniques.
- Capacitor banks and reactor applications.
- SVC and STATCOM operating principles.
- Improving voltage profiles and reducing losses.
Module 5: Power Flow Control and Transmission Capacity
- Fundamentals of power flow management.
- Controlling active and reactive power.
- Series compensation techniques.
- Thyristor-controlled series compensation.
- Managing transmission congestion.
- Improving transmission line utilisation.
Module 6: Transmission Stability and Power Oscillation Damping
- Concepts of steady-state and transient stability.
- Dynamic stability in electrical power networks.
- Voltage stability and rotor angle stability.
- Power system oscillations and their causes.
- Damping techniques using FACTS devices.
- Improving network stability and reliability.
Module 7: FACTS Controllers and Control Strategies
- Basic control principles of FACTS devices.
- Converter-based control technologies.
- Thyristor-based control systems.
- Voltage and current control techniques.
- Power flow and damping controllers.
- Control system coordination and optimisation.
Module 8: FACTS Integration and Grid Control
- Integration of FACTS devices into existing grids.
- Grid control and transmission network coordination.
- FACTS applications in smart grids.
- Renewable energy integration and power quality.
- Interaction between FACTS devices and other grid equipment.
- Operational challenges and system compatibility.
Module 9: Protection, Monitoring and Maintenance of FACTS Devices
- Protection requirements for FACTS installations.
- Monitoring and diagnostic systems.
- Power electronic converter protection.
- Equipment inspection and maintenance procedures.
- Identifying common operational faults.
- Reliability and performance assessment.
Module 10: Practical Applications and Future Developments
- FACTS applications in high-voltage transmission networks.
- Case studies of FACTS installations.
- Evaluating technical and operational performance.
- Modern developments in power electronic technologies.
- FACTS applications in renewable energy networks.
- Future trends in flexible power transmission systems.
FAQs
1. What is FACTS technology?
FACTS technology refers to power electronic-based systems used to improve the controllability, stability, and transmission capacity of AC electrical power networks.
2. What are the main types of FACTS devices?
Common FACTS devices include SVC, STATCOM, TCSC, Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC), and UPFC.
3. Why is reactive power compensation important in FACTS systems?
Reactive power compensation helps regulate voltage, reduce transmission losses, improve power transfer capability, and maintain power system stability.
4. How do FACTS devices improve transmission stability?
FACTS devices regulate voltage, control power flow, and provide damping support to reduce power system oscillations and improve network stability.
5. Where is FACTS technology used?
FACTS technology is used in high-voltage transmission networks, electrical substations, smart grids, and renewable energy integration systems.
6. Who should attend the Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) Training Course?
Electrical engineers, power system specialists, transmission engineers, protection engineers, grid operators, and electrical maintenance professionals can benefit from this course.