SmartValve™
Firm, controllable capacity on existing transmission. Deployed in 12 to 18 months. Modular, scalable, and relocatable — without trading off reliability.
Advanced power flow control for transmission grids
SmartValve is an advanced power flow control (APFC) solution that delivers firm, controllable capacity on existing transmission. It helps utilities manage congestion, strengthen reliability under normal and contingency conditions, and connect new load and generation faster.
Built on a patented static synchronous series compensator (m-SSSC), it injects a series voltage in quadrature with line current to change the line's effective reactance. That lets operators push power off overloaded lines or pull power onto underutilised lines. It also provides dynamic support services, including improved voltage stability and transient stability.
Five problem types, one deployable solution
These are the most common challenges operators bring to us. SmartValve addresses each with the same hardware — deployed to match the need.
Increase usable capacity on existing transmission
SmartValve can be deployed in 12 to 18 months to relieve constraints and increase usable transfer capability, supporting faster connections for new load and generation while reducing constraint costs.
Address urgent needs and reduce planning risk
SmartValve can be scaled and relocated as system needs change, helping utilities address near-term constraints now while preserving flexibility to expand or redeploy as plans evolve.
Maintain reliability during outages
SmartValve redirects power flows around out-of-service assets to reduce congestion during planned and unplanned outages, support longer outage windows, and lower constraint costs.
Defer replacement of ageing assets
SmartValve can shift loading away from stressed equipment to help maintain service and manage constraints, giving utilities time to execute asset replacement plans.
Bridge constraints during upgrades
SmartValve can address temporary constraints while larger upgrades are permitted and constructed, helping keep projects on track, maintain reliability, and reduce constraint costs.
Power electronics that actively shape how power moves
Power flow control has evolved from passive devices to power-electronics solutions that actively shape how power moves across the network. SmartValve builds on that evolution to deliver controllable capacity with utility-grade reliability.
Traditional static synchronous series compensators often required custom designs, complex cooling and protection schemes, and significant substation footprint. SmartValve uses patented design elements — including sealed cooling at line potential and integrated fast-acting bypass — to simplify installation while meeting utility reliability requirements.
Built for utility operations
Small footprint, flexible layouts
SmartValve can be configured to fit within available substation space and deployed in layouts that match site constraints. Our engineers work with customers to define a deployment plan that meets today's needs while preserving options to scale later.
Optimised layouts
SmartValve can be configured for available space. When additional capacity is needed, units can be added with minimal rework.
Double-stacking
In some configurations, SmartValve can be double-stacked — allowing two units in roughly the footprint of one.
Distributed deployments
Deployments can be distributed along a circuit, so large projects do not require a single large substation footprint.
Network planning and integration support
Our global team of power system engineers supports customers with planning and integration, including guidance on modelling SmartValve in network planning tools, interconnection studies for new generation and load, and broader power system planning. SmartValve models are available for all major platforms.
SmartValve models are available for the network planning platforms below. If your team uses a different tool, our engineers can work with you to implement models in additional platforms.
SmartValve case studies
Real deployments. Confirmed outcomes. Named operators.
ISA Transelca: Atlantico Project
National Grid: Northern England Projects
ISA Transelca: CO-COST Project
Enlaza — GEB: Termocandelaria Project
Harnessing the synergies of SmartValve and SUMO
Central Hudson: Leeds-Hurley Avenue Project
Ready to get more from your grid?
Talk to our engineering team about how SmartValve can be deployed on your network.
Contact us