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Power Converter Characteristics
Control |
ABB |
Reactive Power |
150MVar |
Harmonic filters |
F2 - F3 - F5 - F7 - F11 - F13 - HF1 - HF2 |
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Operation Responsibles
Power Converter Architecture
A static VAR compensator (var is defined as volt ampere reactive) is a set of electrical devices for providing fast-acting reactive power on high-voltage electricity transmission networks. SVCs are part of the Flexible AC transmission system device family, regulating voltage, power factor, harmonics and stabilising the system. Unlike a synchronous condenser which is a rotating electrical machine, a static VAR compensator has no significant moving parts (other than internal switchgear). Prior to the invention of the SVC, power factor compensation was the preserve of large rotating machines such as synchronous condensers or switched capacitor banks.
SVC is composed of two components.
- TCR (Thyristor Controlled Reactor) :
A TCR is a reactance connected in series with a bidirectional thyristor valve. The thyristor valve is phase-controlled, which allows the value of delivered reactive power to be adjusted to meet varying system conditions. Thyristor-controlled reactors are used for limiting voltage rises and reactive power compensation.

In parallel with series connected reactance and thyristor valve, there may also be a capacitor bank.
- Harmonic Filters :
They are composed of capacitors and coil tune for different harmonics. For LHC, we have 6 filters for harmonics 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 HF1 and HF2. The SPS filters take 150MVar from network

Power Part
Power In |
18Kv |
Power Out |
18Kv |
Compensation range |
-150 to +150 MVAR |
Cooling type |
Responsible EN/CV
2 Motor Pump 1.5kW
Demineralized second circuit water
Second circuit water cooled |

Control & Regulation Part
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Machine Installation
SVC installed in SPS :
Production Contract & Contract History
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There are two SVCs which were supplied by ABB to support the operation of the SPS Particle Accelerator at CERN.
They are all rated at 150 MVAr and are situated at Prévessin to compensate MAINS around the SPS ring designated BA1, BA2, BA3, BA4, BA5, and BA6.. BEQ2 and BEQ3 ensure each one ½ power of SPS Charge (SMB and SMQ)- Old BEQ1. 90 MVAR, associated to CP aux BB3, is able to replace BEQ2 or 3, partially in a degraded mode.
The equipment sited at Prévessin was supplied by ABB, in 2002 The other identical BEQ3 was supplied in 2007
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