In order to accomplish specific compensation objectives, a Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) can be controlled according different methods. In the literature, the most discussed control modes of the SSSC are 1) constant voltage mode, 2) constant impedance emulation mode, and 3) constant power control mode. The first two modes above cited are used when purely series reactive compensation is required, whereas the third one also enables to control the power flow in the transmission network. Since these modes can have different impacts on system angle stability, this paper aims to assess the influence of SSSC operation mode on both small-signal and transient stability of power systems. The study is based on modal analysis and time domain simulations which are carried out by using the Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT). The results obtained allow to conclude that, when performing purely series reactive compensation, the SSSC usage in the constant impedance emulation mode is the most beneficial strategy to improve both small-signal and transient stability.
FACTS; PSAT; small-signal stability; SSSC; transient stability
