High Power Electronics – HVDC Lines and FACTS Devices (SVC/STATCOM) The theory and application of semiconductor devices and systems to the control of high-voltage DC and AC transmission and distribution systems to achieve their urgently needed much higher performance; HVDC Transmission Systems (overhead, underground and submerged) and their comparison to HVAC systems; Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices such as the Static Var Compensator, STATCOM, and Synchronous Series Static Compensator; use of these devices in the, so-called, smart grid Storrs, Connecticut, United States