ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Static synchronous series compensator

A static synchronous series compensator (SSSC) is like a super smart robot that helps keep electricity flowing smoothly. When electricity travels through power lines, it can get temperamental and cause problems like blackouts or brownouts. But the SSSC helps prevent these issues by adjusting the electricity, almost like a doctor giving medicine to a sick patient.

The SSSC helps control something called "reactive power" in the electricity. Imagine a game of catch where one person throws the ball and the other person catches it. If the thrower throws the ball really hard, the catcher has to put in a lot of effort to catch it. This is like the electricity flowing through the power lines – it can be fast or slow, and it requires effort from the power system to manage it.

The SSSC helps balance this energy out by adjusting how fast or slow the electricity moves. It can also control how much energy is flowing through the power lines at any given time. This way, there is never too much or too little energy, which helps keep the power system healthy and happy.

Overall, the SSSC is a helpful robot that keeps the electricity flowing smoothly and prevents problems like blackouts or brownouts. It's like a doctor for the power system, making sure everything is healthy and working properly.