Compensation of Voltage Drop using Static Var Compensator at Sectioning Post for Shinkansen Power Feeding System

Abstract

In Japan, the AC single phase electric railway system is adopted on main lines such as Shinkansen. The allowance range of feeding voltage for Shinkansen is 22.5_??_30kV.
In recent years, the service load tends to increase with more frequent train operation, increased speeds and multiplied power. As the load capacity of train becomes larger, the reactive power of load causes a larger voltage drop. It is anticipated that the feeding voltage would drop below the lower limit of the allowance voltage range.
With advance of power electronics technology, voltage drops in a feeding line and voltage fluctuations on the 3-phase side can be reduced, and the power factor at substations can be improved by compensating for the reactive power using a single-phase static var compensator (SVC).
To compensate for voltage drops over AC feeding system, SVC should be located at the end of feeding circuit which is called sectioning posts. The capacity of SVC can be reduced to two-thirds by locating it at sectioning posts instead of substations.
This paper describes the principle of voltage compensation using SVC with TSC installed at the sectioning post in San-yo Shinkansen and introduces the results of a site investigation.