Merus^® STATCOM
Static Synchronous Compensator

Merus^® STATCOM is a modular and modern Static Synchronous Compensator
for renewable applications and heavy industrial loads.

STATCOM for heavy industry

STATCOM for Renewables

Download heavy industry brochure

Main functions of Merus^® STATCOM:

Voltage stabilization
Dynamic reactive power compensation
Load unbalance compensation
Harmonic filtering

Merus^® STATCOM system consists of:

Control & Protection System (C&P)
Merus^® STATCOM-modules
Filter Capacitor Banks (FCB) – in some cases

Merus® STATCOM components

Merus® Control and Protection System (C&P)

The C&P system serves as an integrated control cubicle essential for managing and safeguarding the entire Merus^® STATCOM system. It includes necessary software and hardware for operating Merus^® STATCOM modules and controlling additional components like Filter Capacitor Banks and field equipment, while also handling system-level protection functions.

At its core, the C&P system employs proprietary software crafted by Merus Power’s experts in Finland, pivotal for ensuring the system’s performance and reliability. This advanced control software runs on a modern platform and is responsible for all system-level controls, relaying commands to the STATCOM modules through a fiber optic link.

The system incorporates the Merus^® SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), which operates on an industrial-grade PC equipped with a 19” touchscreen interface, enabling streamlined communication and data acquisition. This platform allows for easy operation management, including start and stop sequences, and logs every event for convenient data retrieval and external transfer.

Furthermore, Merus® MERUSCOPE™, an optional cloud-based IoT service, can be integrated to enhance the C&P system. MERUSCOPE™ facilitates comprehensive remote monitoring and control across the Merus® product range, delivering real-time surveillance and alerts to address issues promptly. This service minimizes downtime and reduces maintenance costs, while providing access to historical data for trend analysis and strategic planning in power quality.

Merus® STATCOM modules

Merus^® STATCOM modules are the main building blocks of the STATCOM system, including types M2000 and PCM. These modules function independently, controlled by the C&P System, and are connected in parallel to achieve the necessary reactive power output.

The M2000 is designed for more demanding indoor applications and requires installation in containers or buildings, while the PCM is aimed at outdoor use, specifically for power factor control, and does not require any housing. All modules are manufactured and tested at Merus Power’s factory in Finland.

The individual modules of Merus^® STATCOM are grouped into blocks according to system requirements and connected to a medium-voltage bus through coupling transformers. This setup allows for scalability, making it easy to increase power in the future by adding more modules or module groups.

The reliability of the compensator system is critical. Each module is designed as an independent unit with its own control and protection functions. If a module fails, it disconnects without disrupting the remaining modules, which continue operating seamlessly. Additionally, each module has an independent cooling system, enhancing overall reliability.

Users can monitor module-level measurements and events, such as trips or alarms, through Merus^® SCADA. Despite the modules operating independently, control is automated, allowing users to simply start or stop the entire system from the SCADA interface.

Filter Capacitor Banks (FCB)

Depending on system needs, the Merus^® STATCOM system may include Filter Capacitor Banks. These banks help lower the CAPEX cost in applications focused mainly on capacitive compensation and provide efficient harmonic filtering for frequencies beyond the scope of power electronics-based modules. The design of these banks is complex and tailored case-by-case by Merus Power’s in-house design team, using only audited and reliable suppliers.

Buying from us

At Merus Power, we guide you effortlessly through complexities, ensuring you find the ideal Merus^® STATCOM solution that meets your needs. No prior knowledge needed—our expertise is at your service.

Creating a successful business case hinges on a collaborative process, tailored to each customer’s unique needs and investment capabilities. You will collaborate with our experts together to define the optimum techno-commercial solution for your needs.

Step 1 – Assessment and analyses

The process starts with a detailed analysis of the customer’s operational goals and long-term plans, leveraging our expertise in complex compensator systems to enhance productivity and deliver solutions with high returns on investment.

Step 2 – Project specifications and budgetary estimates

Our STATCOM specialists will choose the optimal technology by comparing various options to match the customer’s performance expectations and budget. Key considerations include process improvements, lifetime and reliability requirements, and technical constraints impacting the system’s design.

Step 3 – Design and system configuration

Once the preliminary designs and the budgetary estimates have been made and the customer is ready to move forward with the investment, the final investment case and the main design specifications are defined. The outcome is a custom-built business model, co-created with the customer, that reflects a true partnership.

Step 4 – Implementation and commissioning

Once a project starts, our design team collaborates with the customer’s engineers to ensure smooth integration of our STATCOM solution, followed by expedited procurement and manufacturing to meet deadlines, culminating in efficient installation and commissioning at the customer’s facility by our service team.

Step 5 – Training and transitioning to Merus® O&M Service

We understand the critical role of training and maintenance in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of STATCOM systems. Our comprehensive training equips your team for operation and maintenance, supported by a tailored multi-year agreement and enhanced by our cloud-based IoT service, Merus® MERUSCOPE™, for consistent, optimal performance.

System sizes and MVAr ranges

The Merus^® STATCOM is modular, allowing for a scalable reactive power capacity without a strict upper limit. Sizes of the systems typically range from a few MVArs in smaller mining plants to over 100 MVArs in large steel mills, with the systems commonly connected to the factory’s medium-voltage bus.

The system’s size and layout vary widely due to the diverse power range and specific construction requirements. For smaller systems using indoor units, modules can be housed in a compact 40-foot container.

In contrast, larger systems might include a separate building for modules and an outdoor field for Filter Capacitor Banks. For instance, a 150MVAr system with 2 Filter Capacitor Banks would occupy approximately 55 x 37 meters.

Merus^® STATCOM for heavy industry

Steel mills and mines are users of heavy energy-intensive loads that also typically create significant CO₂ emissions, due to their large energy consumption. These plants typically create power quality problems in their own factory networks and surrounding power grids.

DOWNLOAD HEAVY INDUSTRY BROCHURE

Heavy industry process benefits

Electric Arc Furnaces

Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and Ladle Furnaces (LF) are significant energy users in steel plants, leading to notable CO2 emissions and power quality issues. Merus® STATCOM ensures steady voltage, which increases energy efficiency and reduces both CO₂ footprint and electrode consumption. This also minimizes flicker and power fluctuations, offering enhanced process reliability.

Submerged Arc Furnaces (SAF) and Open Bath Furnaces (OBF), while less problematic than EAFs, still face power quality issues. Merus® STATCOM’s ability to stabilize voltage improves their operation. Emerging inverter-based furnace technologies also encounter similar challenges, which are effectively managed with Merus® STATCOM for optimal performance.

Increased production (typically 7-10%)
Reduced energy consumption (typically 7%)
Reduced CO2 generation per ton (depends on fuel mix)
Reduced electrode consumption (typically 0.15-0.18kg/ton)
Grid Code Compliance

Rolling mills

In steel production, rolling processes rely heavily on electric motors.

Direct Online Motors (DOL) can suffer from poor power factor and voltage drops, leading to lower torque output and productivity. Merus® STATCOM can stabilize the voltage supply, enabling it to deliver the necessary torque consistently, which is crucial for maintaining productivity and efficiency.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and DC Drives, essential for controlling motor speeds, often face issues with harmonics and reactive power, causing power quality problems that may result in nuisance tripping and operational disruptions. The use of Merus® STATCOM counters these issues by smoothing out voltage fluctuations and reducing harmonic distortions, ensuring uninterrupted, grid code-compliant operation.

Production improvements
Prevention of nuisance tripping
Grid Code Compliance

Mining industry

Heavy machines with large electric motors in mines, including mining hoists, ball mills, and crushers, draw significant reactive power, causing voltage sags and affecting both grid stability and machinery productivity. Reduced voltage leads to decreased motor torque, impacting operational processes.

Merus® STATCOM mitigates these issues by delivering stable voltage, ensuring efficient mining operations without grid disturbances.

Additionally, in islanded or semi-islanded grids powered by generators, Merus® STATCOM contributes to fuel savings and CO2 emission reductions by enabling the shutdown of surplus generators. An even greater number of generators can be shut
down by combining the STATCOM with Merus Power’s advanced battery energy storage system, Merus® ESS.

Improved productivity
Reduced fuel costs and CO2 emissions
Grid Code Compliance

Other heavy industrial loads

Other heavy industrial loads, such as pumps, harbor cranes, woodchippers, and conveyor belts stand to gain similar benefits from a Merus® STATCOM system than the mining industry.

Connection point

Medium or high-voltage

Installation environment

Fully outdoor or indoor and outdoor
-40℃ to +50℃

Compliance

Electrical safety: EN 50178.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC):
IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and
IEC 61000-6-4 (emission).
IEC 62351: Power systems management and
associated information exchange –
Data and communications security.

Warranty

Standard 1 year, option up to 10 years
Optional availability guarantee

Interfacing

Modbus, IEC104

Footprint examples

Smaller system, 40-foot container
30MVAr system, approximately 15×21 meters
50MVAr system, approximately 28×32 meters
150MVAr system, approximately 37×55 meters

Power modules

PCM 1MVAr 800VAC
M2000 2MVAr 2000VAC
Response time under 1 millisecond
Independent control
Independent liquid cooling system

Filter Capacitor Banks

Medium-voltage
Tuning frequency and power case dependent

Do you have any questions?

Please fill the form below or contact one of our salespeople with questions and inquiries.

Markus Ovaskainen

Director, Sales
Out of office until December 30, 2024.

+358 40 539 2145 markus.ovaskainen@meruspower.com

Aki Tiira

Sales Manager,
STATCOM & SVC, Global

+358 20 735 4332 aki.tiira@meruspower.com

Ville Julin

Sales Manager,
Energy Storage, Europe

+358 40 355 9380 ville.julin@meruspower.com

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Merus® STATCOM Static Synchronous Compensator

Main functions of Merus® STATCOM:

Merus® STATCOM system consists of: