SmartValve™
Advanced power flow control
SmartValve™ is an advanced power flow control (APFC) solution that quickly solves grid bottlenecks and other grid issues to create extra capacity and support optimized use of the existing grid.
It is a patented, award-winning, single-phase, modular Static Synchronous Series Compensator (m-SSSC) that injects a voltage in quadrature with the line current to synthesize a capacitive (- Ωs) or inductive (+ Ωs) reactance. This means it can push power off overloaded lines or pull power onto underutilized lines. SmartValve also provides dynamic services including improving voltage stability and transient stability.
Solving critical grid challenges
Utilize capacity on the existing grid
SmartValve increases grid capacity within 12–18 months, enabling quicker connection of new generation and demand. It also helps avoid uneconomic dispatch, lowering electricity costs. Because it delivers benefits in a short timeframe, SmartValve often provides value for years before traditional solutions would even reach construction.
Resolve urgent or uncertain needs
SmartValve offers fast deployment to address urgent grid challenges and can be scaled or relocated as system needs evolve. This flexibility means utilities can right-size a solution for current needs, then expand, reduce, or redeploy it later. That adaptability supports better planning, reduces long-term risk, and enables more efficient investment compared to traditional grid infrastructure.
Support outage management and extend outage windows
SmartValve helps manage congestion and maintain reliability during planned or unplanned outages. It allows for longer outage windows and faster project delivery, reducing constraint costs and minimizing impacts on the grid. By redirecting flows around out-of-service assets, SmartValve ensures system performance is maintained even during major grid works.
Extend asset life of existing equipment
SmartValve can redirect flows to help continue using ageing grid assets until they reach end-of-life. This enables utilities to defer major investments in new infrastructure until future needs are more certain—making grid planning more responsive and cost-effective.
Use new infrastructure more efficiently
SmartValve ensures new infrastructure is fully utilized by optimizing use of the broader network. It can also be deployed to address temporary constraints while larger upgrades are being permitted or constructed, helping projects stay on schedule and under budget.
Next generation of power flow control
Power flow control solutions have evolved significantly since series reactors and series capacitors were first deployed in the 1920s. Phase Shifting Transformers were later developed, followed by the emergence of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) in the 1980s. FACTS refers to static power-electronics devices that were developed to increase power transfer capability, stability, and controllability of AC transmission networks through series and/or shunt compensation. Harnessing the power of silicon and software, SmartValve is a modular Static Synchronous Series Compensator (m-SSSC) that was first deployed in 2016, paving the way forward for series-connected FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems).
Previous SSSC technologies required custom designs, series injection transformers, water cooling across a high-voltage gradient, circuit breaker bypass protection, and considerable substation space – all driving significant solution cost. SmartValve leverages patented innovations such as sealed cooling systems at line potential and integrated fast-acting semiconductor switch bypass, to provide a superior modular SSSC solution that has high reliability, no single point of failure, significant operational and deployment flexibility, and multiple network applications. Over the past decade, we have been continuously innovating at our state-of-the-art R&D lab to refine our technology, and SmartValve is now deployed at scale across four continents.
The SmartValve difference
- Multiple network applications including power flow control and dynamic services
- Transformerless device that employs VSC technology
- Integrated fast-acting bypass
- Voltage agnostic
- Modular design enables flexible, scalable and movable deployments
- High reliability and redundancy
- Built for rapid delivery and deployment
- No single point of failure
- Automated and manual control modes available
- Short-term and long-term solution
- Available in two models depending on the maximum continuous current rating required
Integrating SmartValve into your network planning
Our global team of power system engineers provide a range of advisory services to our customers, including guidance on modelling SmartValve in network planning software, conducting studies for generation and load connections, power system planning, and technology integration.
SmartValve models for the following network planning software are readily available, and our team can also work directly with you to model SmartValve in additional platforms:
- PowerFactory
- INTEGRAL
- Organon
- ASPEN
- MATLAB®/Simulink®
- PSCAD™/EMTDC
- PSLF
- PSS®E
- RSCAD/RTDS
- TSAT
- PowerWorld
- NEPLAN
Optimizing use of available space
SmartValve is designed to be a modular device that can be easily deployed in a range of different configurations to meet the evolving needs of grid operators. Our expert engineers work closely with our customers to identify the optimal deployment layout for the specific site, taking into account not just today’s need, but also future needs. In this way, more SmartValves can be easily added in the future if the network need increases. This may include leaving space for additional SmartValves or the option to ‘double-stack’ which essentially means that two SmartValves can be deployed in the same footprint as one.
As deployments can be distributed along a circuit this adds another layer of flexibility as a large space is not necessarily needed even for large deployments.
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