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Variable Frequency Transformer A Simple and Reliable Transmission Technology

Paul E. Marken, P.E.

SynopsisIndias National Electricity Policy aims to provide quality electricity to all citizens by 2012. As consideration is made of the best methods and technologies to achieve this, a new transmission technology should be contemplated. Since 2004, an alternative technology has been in commercial operation in North America, which has proven to be a reliable and stable vehicle to move power between two points. The two points in question do not even need to be synchronous. This technology is the Variable Frequency Transformer, or VFT. This paper introduces the VFT and provides a brief explanation of the technology and its benefits.

laminations of steel stacked inside a stator frame. Winding bars are configured into a three-phase four-pole arrangement. When viewed from the outside, the lower level of the VFT appears to look very much like a hydro generator, as is seen in Figure 1. Instead of a shaft carrying a field, as would be found in a generator, the rotor is constructed in the same manner as the stator. The rotor also contains three-phase fourpole windings. One grid is connected to the stator windings, while the other grid is connected to the rotor. The net effect is that a circular transformer has been produced, with the windings separated by an air gap.

I. INTRODUCTION new power transmission technology has recently been made available. This technology is called the Variable Frequency Transformer (VFT). A VFT has been in commercial operation since 2004 and has proven to be a reliable power transmission technology. There are presently two VFTs in commercial operation. Three more are under construction and scheduled to be commissioned at the end of 2009. The VFT is a fully bi-directional device that provides a means for controlling power flow between two grids. The two grids need not be synchronous. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the India-Tech Foundation reader to the VFT technology. While primarily designed to move power across an asynchronous interconnection, the VFT has also shown itself to have remarkable stabilizing benefits. The VFT is not only compatible with other devices but in some cases enhances the performance of nearby existing equipment. II. VFT TECHNOLOGY In order to understand how the VFT works, it is useful to first understand how the machine is constructed. The VFT is composed of a rotary transformer, a torque motor, and an associated drive and control system. A. Construction The rotary transformer is composed of a stator that is very much like the stator of a hydro generator. There are

Fig. 1. Photo of VFT stator.

In order to make connection to the rotor and still allow the rotor to turn freely, a slip ring arrangement is necessary. The VFT contains a device known as the collector. The collector consists of three phases of brushes and large copper slip rings. The number and size of the elements of the collector are such that the full rating of the machine current can be transferred continuously through the full range of speeds in either direction, including zero speed. Also on the shaft of the VFT is a torque motor. This motor is used to align the rotor with respect to the stator and maintain the rotation necessary to bridge the difference in the frequency of the two grids. [1] A cut away drawing of the VFT is shown in Figure 2.

P. E. Marken is VFT Application Engineer and Subject Matter Expert for GE Energy Transmission & Distribution, Columbia City, IN 46725 USA (email: paul.marken@ieee.org).

Collector

Torque Motor

Fig. 3. Depiction of electrical angle between rotor and stator.

Rotary Transformer

Fig. 2. Cut away view of a Variable Frequency Transformer.

B. Power Flow The power flow through a VFT behaves according to the same rules as any AC circuit. As in the case of a Phase Angle Regulator (PAR), control of the voltage angle can be an effective means of controlling the power flow between two points. This is represented by (1).

P=

V2 sin ( ) X

(1)

C. Asynchronous Transmission The ability of the machine to rotate continuously is how the machine can bridge an asynchronous boundary. Consider the example of a VFT connecting two asynchronous grids. For this example they shall be called Grid A and Grid B. When both grids are operating at exactly the same frequency, say 50.0Hz, the VFT rotor will be stopped. If Grid As frequency increases slightly to 50.1Hz, while Grid Bs frequency remains constant at 50.0Hz, the rotor of the VFT will turn to allow for this difference. Because it is a four-pole machine, in this case it will be rotating at 3 rpm. Consider now the condition where Grid A slows down to 49.9Hz and Grid B is still at 50.0Hz. The rotor will now be turning in the opposite direction at 3 rpm. The existing VFTs designed for the North American market have a maximum operating speed of 90 rpm yielding a three hertz maximum frequency delta. In the United States, Canada, and Mexico region, this has proven to be more than adequate, and yet is a very slow operating speed compared to other rotating machines, resulting in very minimal wear and maintenance requirements. [3] D. System Considerations Like an ordinary transformer, the VFT magnetizing currents are induced. It would therefore not be incorrect to classify the VFT as an induction machine. From a system level perspective, this means that the VFT consumes reactive power. In order to remain neutral to the grid from a reactive power standpoint, shunt capacitors are supplied with a VFT to satisfy the machines own requirements. These are switched in and out by the VFT controls as needed. Additional shunt capacitors can be added to supply reactive power for either or both grids, if the application dictates that this is helpful to the systems. A typical VFT one-line diagram is depicted in Figure 4.

where V represents the sending and receiving side voltages, ( ) is the difference in voltage phase angles, and X is the impedance between the two points. [2] Because of the VFTs unique construction, simply turning one of the transformer windings with respect to the other can introduce a difference in the voltage phase angles, thereby effecting power flow. This concept is illustrated in Figure 3. The angle introduced in the rotor with respect to the stator, by the torque motor, is proportional to the amount of torque (T) applied to the shaft. The power (P) flowing through the VFT can therefore be simplified to (2).

P T

(2)

3
STEP UP TRANSFORMER Z=~10% STATOR SIDE ISO BKR ROTARY TRANSFORMER Z=~12% SYNC BKR ROTOR SIDE STEP UP TRANSFORMER Z=~10%

GRID A 400KV OR OTHER VOLTAGE

TORQUE MOTOR

GRID B 400KV OR OTHER VOLTAGE

EXTRA SHUNT SHUNT BANK BANK FOR SYSTEM

DC DRIVE SHUNT BANK AUX POWER TRANSFORMER AUX POWER TRANSFORMER

N.O. AUXILIARY POWER BUS

Fig. 4. One-Line diagram of a Variable Frequency Transformer Interconnection.

Reactive power flow between two points in an AC circuit is a function of the voltages and the series impedance between those points. This holds true with a VFT. Because the VFT is a true AC connection, even if they are asynchronous, reactive power can flow from one grid to another. [4] This has at times proven very helpful and is discussed further in Section IV, C, below. The overall impedance seen from one grid to the other is about 32%. This is typically low enough to be helpful in a contingency, but high enough so as not to introduce short circuit concerns. As the Rotary Transformer design borrowed heavily from hydro generator technology, the voltage level is commensurate with that considered typical of a generator. In order to make the VFT a useful part of a power transmission system, a typical generator step-up transformer is used on each side to step the voltage to the appropriate transmission voltage. A synchronizing breaker (sync bkr) and an isolating breaker (iso bkr) are used by the protection and control schemes. Overall system losses are on the order of 2%. This is in line with what is typical of a back-to-back HVDC system based on thyristor technology, and better than what is typically expected of Voltage Source Converters. At first glance, one might think that the power going through the DC drive to the torque motor is lost and that this would lead to a less efficient overall solution. In reality, much of that power is conserved in that the torque is applied to the shaft, which is in turn converted back to electrical energy, not unlike a generator. Auxiliary power for controls and protection is shown on the one-line diagram as coming from both sides. In an asynchronous application, these two sources will not be in phase and can not be paralleled. Instead, one side is chosen as the primary source of auxiliary power and the other side is a back up source. Multiple units can be paralleled for larger interconnections.

III. INSTALLATIONS A. Hydro-Qubec - Langlois Substation There are presently two VFTs in commercial operation. The worlds first VFT was installed southwest of Montreal, in Hydro-Qubecs Langlois substation. This substation is the electrical interface between the Eastern United States grid and the Qubec grid. [4] The primary use of this 100MW, 60Hz VFT is to transfer power between Qubec and the Eastern United States. Figure 5 is a photo of the Hydro-Qubec installation.

Fig. 5. Hydro-Qubec VFT in Langlois, Qubec.

Hydro-Qubec chose the VFT for its operational flexibility, compact modular design and use of conventional substation equipment. It is also based on technology from established, highly reliable and widely used rotating machinery (i.e. Hydro Generators) that Hydro-Qubec was already familiar with. [5] B. AEP Laredo, TX The second VFT in commercial operation is also rated 100MW, 60Hz and is located in Laredo, Texas. Figure 6 shows a photo of this installation. The Laredo VFT was purchased by American Electric Power (AEP) and was a

reliability-driven application. This VFT provides an electrical connection between the power grids of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Comisin Federal de Electricidad (CFE) of Mexico and provides enhanced stability to both of the connected grids. It will be used for emergency support as well as transactional power transfer. AEP expects the VFT will prove economical for ERCOT since it is able to maintain system security at lower levels of imported energy than was possible with other asynchronous connection technologies. [6] While it is fully capable of bi-directional power transfer, this VFT is normally on-line and running with an order of zero power transfer. The load in Laredo is supported by long transmission lines and limited local generation. Under peak load conditions of the summer, if certain contingencies occur, a dynamic voltage collapse scenario was possible. To avoid this potential of dynamic voltage collapse, Reliability Must Run (RMR) generation was required in Laredo. The addition of the VFT in Laredo plays a key role in the RMR exit strategy. The VFT essentially provides stability benefits similar to that of a local generator, but without the associated energy cost. [7]

HVDC technology necessary. [8] Additionally, as a merchant transmission project, being able to deliver the exact amount of power scheduled was important. The VFT technology does not have the dead band associated with steps of a PAR. The VFT precisely regulates its output down to the megawatt. HVDC was not feasible due to its large space requirement and its undesirable characteristics regarding harmonics and subsynchronous torsional interaction. [9] A photo of the Linden site is shown in Figure 7.

Fig. 7. Linden VFTs under construction in Linden, New Jersey.

IV. OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE As the VFT is a newer technology, there is much interest in its operating performance. The operational characteristics, maintenance requirements and availability of the VFT have all proven to be very satisfactory. A. Performance Factor As the owner of the worlds first VFT, Hydro-Qubec placed great emphasis on the availability or performance factor of this new machine. The formula established to evaluate the VFT performance factor was defined in the contract and is shown in (3).

PF =
Fig. 6. AEP VFT in Laredo, Texas.

MWh[Scheduled ]

MWh[Re al ]

(3)

C. Linden VFT Linden, NJ A third VFT installation is presently under construction and is scheduled to be in service at the end of 2009. Linden VFT, the owner, is a merchant transmission entity. This site will be unique in a number of ways including that this will be the first synchronous application, the first multi-unit installation (3 VFTs in parallel), and will be the most compact installation to date. Three 100MW, 60Hz VFTs will be placed in parallel on less than hectare of land as part of a merchant transmission project to move power from New Jersey into New York City. While this is a synchronous connection and a normal AC tie is possible, uncontrolled power flow would result. There are presently three ties in the area that use a PAR as a means to control power flow. Studies have indicated that control interaction issues would likely prevent the introduction of any additional PARs, making VFT or

where MWh[Real] is Energy through the VFT and MWh[Scheduled] is Energy scheduled on the VFT. Data samples were taken every five minutes and averaged on a monthly basis. After the first three years of commercial operation, the official performance factor of the Langlois VFT was 99.7%. [3] The Langlois machine and the Laredo machine have both produced similar availability numbers since. B. System Damping System planners must consider the consequences of placing new devices into the power system and their possible affect on existing equipment. As an example, HVDC and Voltage Source Converter technologies can have the possible negative side effects of producing harmonics, posing a torsional threat to nearby generators, causing communication interference, or even introducing control interaction issues. By contrast, the VFT has none of these character flaws, but rather has

demonstrated several helpful characteristics. All three VFT installations are examples of locating a VFT near existing generation. The Linden VFTs take the term electrically nearby to an extreme in that they will connect to the existing generator ring bus of Linden Cogen with five gas and three steam turbines. A simplified one-line diagram is depicted in Figure 8.
FROM PJM

VFT1

VFT2

VFT3

GT400 GT500 GT300 ST300

GT100 ST100 GT200 ST200

TO NYISO

Fig. 8. Linden VFTs connected to generator ring bus.

power in times of need, and provide a place for it to be consumed when there is excess. As mentioned previously, the VFT being a true AC connection will allow reactive power to flow from one side to the other. In the case of a contingency, when voltage on one side is low, the VFT complements the STATCOM functionality by naturally transferring reactive power to the weaker system. AEP claims that having a VFT nearby has actually enhanced the benefit of the STATCOM. [9] Besides providing reactive power during a fault, the VFT also introduces a natural post-contingency injection of real power. The power system in Laredo, Texas is supplied by a number of long transmission lines. As the peak load levels grew, local injection of real power became an important factor in preventing dynamic voltage collapse after a fault. The VFTs passive, natural response of injecting real power after a fault has proven to be very beneficial. [11] This natural two-pronged response of providing reactive power during a fault and real power immediately after a fault made VFT technology the preferred solution for dynamic support of the Laredo area power system. AEP also considered back-to-back HVDC and back-to-back VSC. Their comparison is summarized in Figure 10, which shows the local injection of real power required at different levels of load to prevent dynamic voltage collapse. The system is stable above the lines. Interestingly, the 100MW VFT was compared to 150MW HVDC and VSC technologies. Even though the competing technologies were 50% larger, the VFT outperforms. [7]
Transient Stabilty Limits
160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 469.0
Asynch. Device MW Injection

The Langlois VFT is electrically near sixteen 10MW hydro generators at Les Cdres and thirty-six 40MW-50MW hydro generators at Beauharnois. Not only does Hydro-Qubec claim that there are no issues with having a VFT nearby, but that damping is improved with the VFT. Figure 9 illustrates the improved system damping with (blue) the Langlois VFT on the system. [10] A similar improvement to system damping was seen with the Laredo VFT. [9]

504.0

539.0

Laredo Load in MW

VFT VFT

VSC BTB VSC BTB

HVDC BTB HVDC BTB

Fig. 10. VFT provides better dynamic support than HVDC or VSC.

Fig. 9. Improved System Damping with the Langlois VFT.

C. Transient Stability In addition to being located near generation, the Laredo VFT was also located next to the 150MVAr Laredo STATCOM. The STATCOMs purpose is to supply reactive

D. Improved Range of Phase Angle Regulator In the Linden example, the three VFTs are effectively in parallel with three PARs, all moving power between two different control areas. A representation is shown in Figure 11. This situation was studied in detail. The result of paralleling the PARs is that the phase angle between the two systems will be tightened through an additional impedance path. This in turn moves one of the PARs away from its negative limit. Not only will addition of the Linden VFTs not

hurt the situation, it actually improves the performance characteristics of the closest PAR. [9]

the local network, and still provides the necessary isolation from any network frequency deviations. Such a connection is depicted in Figure 12.

Fig. 11. Representation of Linden VFTs and PARs between control areas.

E. Improved HVDC Performance More than one potential VFT customer has studied the possibility of placing a VFT in parallel with an existing backto-back HVDC. While an example is yet to be built, it is not for lack of technical feasibility. Studies have shown that a number of advantages could be realized with such a hybrid interconnection. Advantages include increased system stability, additional short circuit strength, improved commutation, low power level operation (VFT has no minimum power level), improved damping, and with the VFTs optional black start feature, one grid could help black start the other. [9] V. RELEVANCE IN INDIA The age-old view in India of electric power as a service is giving way to the emerging concept of energy as a commodity of trade and electric power as a business. Three recent developments testify to this conversion of attitude. Recent legislation, including the Electricity Act, provides for open access by generating entities to the transmission and distribution network to reduce local network overload situations. Secondly, with the recent and sustained increase in distributed generation, there is a corresponding increase in requests for network planning to accommodate new distributed generation schemes. Thirdly, is the creation of Power Exchanges and the encouragement of spot buying of power by the Power Trading Commission. One result of this paradigm shift is that Captive Power Generators are being encouraged to wheel their excess power to the grid, and to retain the rights to acquire the purchase of power from the grid when necessary. The security of the captive system is obviously of paramount importance and could be a deterrent in cases where the reliability of the local network is at times questionable. In a frequency sensitive process industry, it may be unacceptable to expose a plant to the fluctuations that may take place, on occasion, on the existing local network. In either of these scenarios, the VFT technology can be an attractive interconnection solution. Exchange of power is facilitated in a controlled fashion, without the threat of harmonics or sub-synchronous torsional interaction presented by HVDC or VSC technologies. The VFT provides the additional benefits of improved system damping and transient stability to both the captive system and

Fig. 12. VFT Connection Between an Industrial Plant and the Grid.

The other obvious use of VFT technology is in connecting different areas of the grid together. The VFT is especially attractive for a smaller back-to-back need where the grids are asynchronous. If there is a generator near the interconnection, the VFTs appeal may be amplified as it is much less threatening than alternative technologies. By contrast, HVDC and VSC technologies offer a significant economic advantage when transferring power over long distances. Traditional HVDC using thyristor technology has been shown to scale up very well when a very large interconnection is required. If a very large back-to-back arrangement is required, a hybrid interconnection with HVDC and VFT in parallel may offer the best of both worlds. GE Energys VFT offering is presently a 100MW, 60Hz to 60Hz design. Other designs are technically possible. Application of the 60Hz machine in a 50Hz environment is also a possibility. The limiting factor can be simplified to a volts-per-hertz ratio in the machine design that must be respected. This means at 83% of the frequency, the machine voltage must also be reduced by about 83%. Instead of being a 17kV machine, the present design would be a 14kV machine in a 50Hz environment. With the current rating being held constant, the power rating is then reduced by the same ratio. The present design can accommodate a maximum frequency delta of 3Hz with maximum full power transfer tapering off above 1.6Hz. This must also be given consideration when examining application of the present design in India, as frequency excursions away from nominal may occur more frequently and to a greater degree than the North American design requirements dictated. VI. CONCLUSIONS The VFT has been proven as a viable transmission technology. The VFT allows an AC connection to be made between asynchronous AC grids for reliable and precise transfer of power. The VFT has helpful stabilizing characteristics and does not produce harmonics or torsional

threats. The VFT does not rely on grid strength for operation and works well in weak grid conditions. VFT represents an attractive alternative technology that may be of use in India as the view of electric power as a business emerges. VII. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Chandan Guha to this work as well as his efforts presenting and promoting the subject matter in India. VIII. REFERENCES
[1] P. Marken, Variable Frequency Transformer A Simple and Reliable Interconnection Technology, presented at the EPRI HVDC conference, Westminster, CO, 2007 [2] N. Hingorani and L. Gyugyi, Understanding FACTS, New York: Wiley, 2000, pp. 270-271. [3] P. Marken, J. Roedel, D. Nadeau, D. Wallace, and H. Mongeau, VFT Maintenance and Operating Performance, presented at the IEEE PES General Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, July 2008. [4] E. Larsen, R. Piwko, D. McLaren, D. McNabb, M. Granger, M. Dusseault, L.-P. Rollin, J. Primeau,, "Variable Frequency Transformer A New Alternative For Asynchronous Power Transfer," GE Energy and Hydro-Qubec Transnergie, 2004. [5] J. Gagnon, D. Galibois, D. McNabb, D. Nadeau, P. Paquette, E. Larsen, D. McLaren, D. Piwko, H. Mongeau, C. Wegner. A 100MW Variable Frequency Transformer (VFT) on the Hydro-Qubec Network A new technology for connecting asynchronous networks presented at CIGRE 2006, Paris, France. [6] D. McLaren, J. Michalec, The Variable Frequency Transformer (VFT) A Rotating Machine. GE Energy and American Electric Power (AEP) Doble, 2006 [7] M. Spurlock, R. OKeefe, D. Kidd, E. Larsen, J. Roedel, R. Bodo, and P. Marken, AEPs Selection of GE Energys Variable Frequency Transformer (VFT) for their grid interconnection project between the United States and Mexico, presented at the North American T&D Conf. Montreal, Canada, 2006. [8] N. Miller, K. Clark, R. Piwko, E. Larsen. Variable Frequency Transformer: Applications for Secure Inter-regional Power Exchange, presented at PowerGen Middleast January 2006, Abu Dhabi. [9] P. Marken, J. Marczewski, R. DAquila, P. Hassink, J. Roedel, R. Bodo, VFT A Smart Transmission Technology That Is Compatible With the Existing and Future Grid, IEEE PES Power Systems Conference and Exposition, Seattle, WA, March 2009. [10] D. Nadeau, A 100-MW Variable Frequency Transformer (VFT) on the Hydro-Qubec Transnergie Network The Behavior during Disturbance, presented at the IEEE PES General Meeting, Tampa, FL, June 2007. [11] P. Hassink, P. Marken, R. OKeefe, G. Trevino, Improving Power System Dynamic Performance in Laredo, TX, presented at IEEE PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition, Chicago, IL, April 2008.

IX. BIOGRAPHY
Paul E. Marken graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Paul has been with General Electric Company since 1990 and has held a wide range of engineering positions including Power Systems Engineer, Project Engineer, and Project Manager for a diverse range of industrial, commercial, and utility customers. Paul is currently the VFT Application Engineer and Subject Matter Expert for GE Energys Transmission and Distribution business. Paul is a Registered Professional Engineer and a Senior Member of IEEE.

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