STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator)

A voltage-source converter (VSC) based FACTS device that generates or absorbs reactive power through power electronics — without relying on large capacitor or reactor banks for the reactive energy — by controlling the voltage magnitude of the converter output relative to the connected bus. Unlike an SVC, a STATCOM maintains full rated reactive current output even at very low bus voltages (reactive current is controllable, not voltage-dependent), making it significantly more effective than an SVC during the critical post-fault voltage recovery period when reactive support is most urgently needed. STATCOMs are the preferred FACTS technology for critical dynamic voltage support applications.

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