Joint development of E-STATCOM
LS Electric and LS Materials are moving to combine grid stabilization technologies to address changes in renewable electricity generation and rapid fluctuations in AI data center power loads. The aim is to improve the response to power supply-demand imbalances by adding the ability to supply or absorb electricity instantaneously to existing equipment that maintains stable voltage.
On November 9, the companies signed a memorandum of understanding to develop and demonstrate E-STATCOM, or Enhanced STATCOM, at LS Electric’s Global R&D Campus. Attendees at the signing included LS Materials Chief Executive Hong Young-ho and Park Woo-beom, head of LS Electric’s EA Business Division.
The E-STATCOM system the companies are jointly developing combines the voltage stabilization capabilities of conventional STATCOM with the rapid charging and discharging capabilities of ultracapacitors (UC). They plan to combine LS Electric’s power conversion and grid control technologies with LS Materials’ high-capacity UC system to respond rapidly to voltage and frequency fluctuations and momentary power supply-demand imbalances.
The project focuses on improving the ability of grids connected to renewable energy and large electricity-consuming facilities to respond to fluctuations. Solar and wind generation varies with weather conditions, while AI data centers can involve large electricity consumption and rapid load fluctuations. A system that performs voltage stabilization alongside rapid electricity supply and absorption is expected to provide more options for responding to these changes.
Existing technologies and demonstration plans
The article’s analysis suggests that the equipment and business experience each company has accumulated provided the basis for combining their technologies. In 2024, LS Materials developed LS UltraGrid, a megawatt-scale rack-mounted UC system suitable for E-STATCOM applications. The system can supply or absorb megawatt-scale power within 0.1 seconds.
LS Electric has experience carrying out STATCOM projects totaling 4.7 Gvar in South Korea. It plans to use its proprietary technologies, including patents related to E-STATCOM optimization design and operational control, and incorporate grid-forming control technology validated by UL in the United States.
The companies plan to verify the integrated system’s performance and reliability through demonstrations, then pursue domestic production of the system and entry into overseas markets. By including validation as well as development in their cooperation, they are expected to secure evidence needed for future commercialization.
Original Korean article: Energy News
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
