FACTS for Grid Integration of Wind Power

Integrating renewables into grids to any considerable degree can expose the system to issues that need attention lest the functionality of the grid be impaired. Such issues can be voltage fluctuations, frequency deviations, and deterioration of power quality. By utilization of FACTS devices such as SVC, STATCOM, and Series Capacitors, grid function can be maintained and even improved, enabling increased power transmission capacity over existing lines. Renewable power such as wind and solar can then be accommodated in the grid without any need for building new lines. Dynamic Energy Storage, a newcomer to the FACTS family, offers additional possibilities such as back-up for renewable generation, storage of renewable energy for release during periods of higher demand, and area frequency regulation. The paper offers some salient design features of FACTS, as well as highlights a few current cases where FACTS devices are put to use to enable or improve grid integration of renewable energy sources.