An investigation into the use of four quadrant inverter devices for voltage and var support on SWER systems

The issues of poor capacity, voltage and power quality experienced on long Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) electrical distribution systems have negative and sometimes expensive impacts on both the electrical distributor and their customers. Traditional mitigation methods employed include voltage regulators and fixed capacity Shunt Reactors and capacitors. To overcome inherent limitations of these traditional methods, the use of dynamic real and reactive power compensation devices based on 4 quadrant inverters is being investigated. This paper discusses the methodology and results of a modelling investigation into the effectiveness of these devices on a representative SWER system in Western Queensland.