Improving Voltage Stability in Sabha Medium Voltage Network Using FACTS Techniques: A Comparative Study between STATCOM and SVC

Abstract

Voltage stability faces significant challenges due to the increasing demand for electricity and reliance on long transmission lines, particularly in medium-voltage networks in southern Libya. This study focuses on the 66 kV Sabha network, which suffers from voltage instability caused by dependence on northern power generation sources and high reactive power losses. Using the NEPLAN software, the effectiveness of two FACTS devices, namely the Static Var Compensator (SVC) and the Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), was evaluated in improving voltage stability.

The study considered three scenarios: without compensation, with SVC, and with STATCOM. The results showed that both devices significantly improve voltage stability and reduce power losses, with STATCOM demonstrating superior dynamic response and overall efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of advanced compensation technologies in ensuring the stability and reliability of power delivery under challenging operational conditions.