Application of Synchronous Condensers

The electricity grid of the future will be 100% supplied by renewable energy sources. Most of these generators will be connected to the grid by power electronic converters and the conventional generators will be phased out. This gives rise to protection and control difficulties during disturbances.A solution to this problem associated with renewable-energy-based grids is to install rotating synchronous condensers, which are synchronous generators without a prime mover. SCs therefore possess all the advantages of a synchronous generator during fault conditions and eliminate the protection issues that otherwise exist. Siemens A/S realised this challenge at an early state and has decided to create a global competence centre for synchronous condensers in Denmark. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has a strong competence centre focusing on power system operation and electrical machines.In this project, Siemens A/S and DTU will investigate the characteristics of a renewable-energy-based power system and identify the demand for synchronous condensers in the future. The gained competence can strengthen Denmark’s position in the field of integration of renewable energy in the electric power system.