H-Bridge Multilevel STATCOM for Mining

The quality of the power supply in any industrial environment can have a dramatic effect on the cost of production. This is particularly true in a mining environment, both above ground and underground, because of the remote location of many mining sites. This paper considers various power quality issues and their effects, and then proposes the H-bridge multilevel static compensator (STATCOM) converter as a novel and innovative solution to the problems raised. ResTech Pty Ltd together with the University of Newcastle are currently developing a state-of-the-art STATCOM aimed at addressing the particular power quality problems which affect the mining industry. Economic advantage can be gained by the STATCOM through its potential to increase production, extend plant lifetime and make better use of existing infrastructure. INTRODUCTION The ever increasing load on the power system has exacerbated power quality issues. Mining is particularly susceptible to power quality issues because many mine sites are remotely located with respect to the main feeder lines of the power network, and consequently have a weak supply with very low fault currents. Therefore voltage stability at these sites is poor, and the ability to handle large and rapid power transients is limited. ∗Version: 1.12, Date: June 9, 2006 (UTC) †School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia, 2308. Contact: [email protected] ‡ResTech Pty Ltd, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia, 2308. Contact: [email protected]