Dr M S R Murty
Subsynchronous resonance (SSR)
• Resonant frequencies below the fundamental
frequency are called subsynchronous frequencies.
• Subsynchronous resonance (SSR), occurs due to
interaction between series capacitors and nearby
turbine‐generators.
• Application of series capacitors in long electric power
transmission lines is a cost‐effective method to
increase power transfer but use of series capacitors
has sometimes been limited because of the concerns
for subsynchronous resonance (SSR).
• Turbine‐generators have rotating shaft systems
comprised of large inertial masses that are
interconnected with shafts that act as springs.
• These large masses and shafts create torsional
resonant frequencies some of which are also
subsynchronous.
• If the transmission line resonant frequency is
close to the complementary mechanical system
frequency of the generating machine, then the
two oscillatory systems can interact with each
other.
• In some operating conditions, the interaction can result
in damaging shaft torques on a turbine‐generator
shaft.
• This interaction is called SSR, and it occurs because of
the interchange of energy between the series
capacitors on the transmission lines and the mass‐
spring system of the turbine‐generator shaft.
• This interchange occurs at the subsynchronous
resonance frequency by modulating the 50 Hz wave
form.
• The SSR phenomenon actually occurred at some
generating plants resulting in shaft failures.
Series Compensated transmission line
Xm Xt
Xc X line
Receiving System
Electrical resonant frequency (fe) : (very low impedance)
sqrt(Xc/(Xline+Xt+Xm))x60 Hz.
fe = 23.2 Hz
For 50 % compensation : 42.5 Hz
• Installing passive SSR blocking filters to block
the currents at SSR frequencies flowing
through the generator step‐up transformer
neutral connections to ground.
• Installing supplemental excitation damping
controls (SEDCs) to provide damping at the
SSR frequencies.
• Torsional relays generally sufficient with
Proper design of TCSC
Torsional Relay
• Monitors shaft speed at one or two locations,
and filters the signals to isolate individual
torsional modes.
• For each mode, an amplitude‐versus‐time trip
curve is used to trip the unit or a line that
isolates the affected turbine‐generator from
the source of torsional stimulus.
• Most wide‐used technique for addressing risks
due to SSR
SSR Mitigation:
Additionalmeasures
• Supplementary excitation control
• Static filters: in series with each phase of each
main generator
• Dynamic filters: using a thyristor
cycloconverter
• Bypassing series capacitors with the aid of low
set gaps.
• Amortisseur windings on the pole faces of the
generator rotors