High Power Electronics and flexible AC Transmission System

Abstract

During the last decade, higher energy costs, the difficulty in building new power plants and improved converter technology provided an increased Market for HVDC transmission. However, HVDC, due to the high cost of converters, will play a limited role in the overall ac power system. The author discusses the potential of thyristors in ac power systems. The concept of a thyristor-assisted ac power system, called Flexible AC Transmission System is introduced and discussed.