Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) - SPS Software

Overview

A plus/minus 100 Mvar 48-pulse GTO STATCOM regulating voltage on a three-bus 500-kV system.

This example shows the operation of a plus/minus 100 Mvar STATCOM on a three-bus 500-kV system. It is a classic and highly relevant transmission example for studying dynamic voltage support.

The STATCOM uses a 48-pulse voltage-sourced converter built from four 12-pulse three-level GTO inverters combined through phase-shifting transformers. The control system regulates bus voltage by adjusting converter voltage magnitude through DC bus control.

FACTS examples are important for seeding discussion beyond DERs. This one is ideal for transmission planners, consultants, and students studying voltage stability, reactive compensation, and converter-based grid support.

Key Features

  • Voltage regulation around a configurable reference
  • Dynamic response to source voltage steps
  • Capacitive and inductive operating modes
  • Fast one-cycle-level reactive power response

Getting Started

  1. Run the simulation and observe the source voltage steps at 0.1 s, 0.2 s, and 0.3 s.
  2. Track terminal voltage, reactive power, and DC bus voltage.
  3. Inspect alpha-angle behavior in the control subsystem for deeper analysis.

Model Specifications

Parameter Value
Product SPS Software
Simulation type Real-time
Software version SPS Software 2025+ (with RT-LAB)
Model version R2024a — Jul 2026
Recommended time step 25 µs
Real-time solver ARTEMiS (eHS for switching-level FPGA variant)
Compatible hardware OP4605XG2, OP4610XG2, OP5020XG2, OP5025XG2, OP5033XG2, OP5707XG2
Model file power_statcom_gto48p.zip

Downloads

Where do you see the best fit for STATCOM studies today: classic transmission support, renewable interconnection, or large-load applications such as data centers?