Distributed Static Series Compensators (DSSCs) in Modern Power Systems: A Systematic Literature Review

Distributed static series compensators (DSSCs) are modular power‐electronic devices that dynamically regulate transmission‐line reactance by injecting a controlled quadrature voltage. This paper presents the first comprehensive systematic literature review focused exclusively on DSSCs, covering studies published from 2004 to 2024. Using a PRISMA‐based methodology, 60 high‐quality publications were identified and synthesized across eight themes: technology development, steady‐state constraints, protection, stability enhancement, quality of supply, economic analysis, optimization, and controller interactions. The review reveals a clear research evolution, from early conceptual work, modeling, and prototypes to studies addressing operational challenges such as congestion, fault‐current limitation, and voltage or stability support, and more recent advances in optimal siting, coordinated control, and system‐level integration. Although DSSCs demonstrate strong technical potential, existing evidence is largely simulation‐based, with limited field testing, no standardized benchmarking methods, and an incomplete understanding of multidevice coordination, lifecycle reliability, and deployment constraints. Overall, DSSCs appear technologically mature but require further research to support widespread practical adoption. The review concludes with targeted research questions on protection‐aware control design, real‐world performance validation, coordinated operation with other FACTS/DFACTS devices, techno‐economic assessment under uncertainty, and system‐level planning for high‐renewable grids.