Supercapacitors / Ultracapacitors - Frequency Control for Renewables Power Grid | STATCOM

A Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) is a type of Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device that is used to regulate the voltage on an electric power transmission line.

With the advent of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, the need for such a device is more pronounced where the renewable energy source lacks the inertia of a traditional power station and is more susceptible to frequency disturbances.  

What does a STATCOM consist of?

The STATCOM is a shunt-connected device that uses solid-state voltage-source converters to provide fast and precise control of the voltage at the point of connection and consists of a voltage-source converter, a DC ultracapacitor, and a filter. The voltage-source converter converts DC voltage from the DC ultracapacitor into AC voltage, which is then injected into the transmission line.

The filter is used to remove harmonic distortion from the injected AC voltage. . It can also be used for load balancing, power factor correction, and transient stability enhancement.

What can DMTL offer?

DMTL is an authorised LS Materials distributor.

LS Materials is the forefront of designing and manufacturing Ultracapacitor Modules optimised for STATCOM implementation as Ultracapacitor’s offer the best energy storage / power density available.

A Little about DMTL and LS Materials

With their HQ near Seoul, South Korea, LS Materials (who are part of the much larger LS Mtron Group) specialise in design and manufacture of Supercapactors but more importantly Ultracapacitors. Ultracapacitors are higher capacitance supercapacitors with typical capacitance values starting from 100F. LS uniquely can provide single cells with capacitance values up to 3400F and also have a unique Prismatic square style package which allows for a much more volumetrically efficient way of putting products into modules. 

LS design engineers also have extensive experience and knowledge in designing and manufacturing modules utilising their own cells. These modules provide significant increases to the rated voltages (from 6V to 380V+) by packaging the capacitors in balance circuits within rugged temperature controlled enclosures. Modules can be customised to meet customer specific mechanical and electrical specifications.

DMTL and LS have been trading directly since 2016 as our niche position as a Passives and Electromechanical Specialist blends with LS's strategy to further develop their North European footprint, leading to DMTL’s appointment as their UK Design Distributor.