IEC TR 63262:2019

Overview - IEC TR 63262:2019 (Performance of UPFC in electric power systems)

IEC TR 63262:2019 provides guidelines for the application, design and testing of the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) in transmission systems. The technical report addresses UPFC architectures based on modular multi-level converter (MMC) technology and three-level converter technology and covers symbols, terms, principles, configurations, design rules, equipment performance, control & protection, insulation co‑ordination, system performance and commissioning tests. The report also includes project examples and guidance for technical and economic evaluation.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Principles & configurations: Basic UPFC structure and typical layouts for single, double and multiple transmission line applications; common and non-common DC bus options.
• Design rules & parameter coordination: Guidance for selecting UPFC proposals, converter parameters and transformer arrangements to meet system needs.
• Performance requirements for key equipment:
  • Voltage Sourced Converters (VSCs) - requirements for three‑level and MMC topologies.
  • Series and shunt transformers - winding connections, insulation levels, short‑circuit and over‑excitation tolerance, DC biasing and harmonic considerations.
  • Fast Bypass Switch (FBS) - functional and test requirements.
• Control and protection: Functional requirements for UPFC control systems (power flow control, reactive support, voltage control) and comprehensive protection schemes, monitoring and communications interfaces.
• Insulation co‑ordination: Procedures to determine required withstand voltages, arrester protection schemes and overvoltage sources.
• System performance: Steady‑state and dynamic performance targets including overload capacity and fault ride‑through expectations.
• Tests and commissioning: Off‑site component tests (converters, transformers, TBS/FBS), on‑site energizing, steady‑state and dynamic performance tests, protection trip and overload tests.
• Informative annexes: Examples of typical UPFC projects and comparison with other FACTS devices.

Practical applications and users

IEC TR 63262:2019 is intended for professionals involved in planning, designing, procuring, installing and commissioning UPFCs and related FACTS equipment:

• Transmission system planners and grid operators - for integrating UPFCs to control power flow and enhance stability.
• OEMs and converter manufacturers - for meeting performance and test expectations for MMC and three‑level VSC implementations.
• Substation designers and transformer suppliers - for winding, insulation and harmonics guidance.
• Protection and control engineers, testing labs and consultants - for commissioning and compliance testing.

Keywords: IEC TR 63262:2019, UPFC, unified power flow controller, MMC, three-level converter, VSC, power systems, FACTS, insulation co‑ordination, control and protection, fault ride‑through, commissioning tests.

Related standards

Refer to other IEC publications covering FACTS device standards, converter testing, transformer testing and insulation co‑ordination for complementary normative requirements and detailed testing procedures.