TABLE OF CONTENTS This chapter presents the basic operation principles of FACTS devices. Starting with a brief introduction on the concept and its origin, the text then focuses on the ideal behavior of each basic shunt and series FACTS device. Guidelines on the synthesis of the first generation of these devices, based on thyristors, are presented, followed by the newer generations of FACTS devices based on self-commutated semiconductor switches.
In 1988, Hingorani [1] published a paper entitled "Power Electronics in Electric Utilities: Role of Power Electronics in Future Power Systems," which proposed the extensive use of power electronics for the control of AC systems [2]. The basic idea was to obtain AC systems with a high level of control flexibility, just as in high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems [3], based on the use of the thyristor, as well as on self-commutated (controllable turn-on and turn-off) semiconductor devices like gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs), insulated...
