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How reactive power is helpful to maintain a system

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How reactive power is helpful to maintain a system healthy (on photo: Medium voltage power factor correction panel;
credit: tepco-group.com)
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Reactive power
We always in practice to reduce reactive power to improve system efficiency. This are acceptable at some
level, if system is purely resistively or capacitance it make cause some problem in Electrical system. AC
systems supply or consume two kind of power: real power and reactive power.

Real power accomplishes useful work while reactive power supports the voltage that must be controlled for
system reliability. Reactive power has a profound effect on the security of power systems because it affects
voltages throughout the system.

Find important discussion regarding importance about Reactive Power and how it is useful to maintain
System voltage healthy.

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COVERED TOPICS:

Need of reactive power Reactive power caused absence of el.


Importance of present of reactive supply
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Importance of present of reactive supply
power Problems of reactive power
Purpose of reactive power Profound effects of reactive power:
What is reactive power? Generation
Why do we need reactive power? Synchronous condensers
Reactive power is a byproduct of AC Capacitors and inductors
systems Static VAR compensators (SVCs)
How are voltages controlled? Static synchronous compensators
Voltage must be maintained within acc. Distributed generation
levels Transmission side
Voltage and reactive power Voltage and reactive power planning
Reactive power and power factor
Reactive power limitations

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Need of Reactive Power


Voltage control in an electrical power system is important for proper operation for electrical power
equipment to prevent damage such as overheating of generators and motors, to reduce transmission
losses and to maintain the ability of the system to withstand and prevent voltage collapse. In general
terms, decreasing reactive power causing voltage to fall while increasing it causing voltage to rise. A
voltage collapse occurs when the system try to serve much more load than the voltage can support.
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.
When reactive power supply lower voltage, as voltage drops current must increase to maintain
power supplied, causing system to consume more reactive power and the voltage drops further . If
the current increase too much, transmission lines go off line, overloading other lines and potentially
causing cascading failures.
.
If the voltage drops too low, some generators will disconnect automatically to protect themselves.
Voltage collapse occurs when an increase in load or less generation or transmission facilities causes
dropping voltage, which causes a further reduction in reactive power from capacitor and line
charging, and still there further voltage reductions. If voltage reduction continues, these will cause
additional elements to trip, leading further reduction in voltage and loss of the load. The result in these
entire progressive and uncontrollable declines in voltage is that the system unable to provide the
reactive power required supplying the reactive power demands.

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Importance of Present of Reactive Power


Voltage control and reactive-power management are two aspects of a single activity that both
supports reliability and facilitates commercial transactions across transmission networks.
.
On an alternating-current (AC) power system, voltage is controlled by managing production and
absorption of reactive power. There are three reasons why it is necessary to manage reactive power
and control voltage.
.
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.
First, both customer and power-system equipment are designed to operate within a range of
voltages, usually within5% of the nominal voltage. At low voltages, many types of equipment perform
poorly; light bulbs provide less illumination, induction motors can overheat and be damaged, and
some electronic equipment will not operate at. High voltages can damage equipment and shorten
their lifetimes.
.
Second, reactive power consumes transmission and generation resources. To maximize the amount
of real power that can be transferred across a congested transmission interface, reactive-power flows
must be minimized. Similarly, reactive-power production can limit a generators real-power capability.
.
Third, moving reactive power on the transmission system incurs real-power losses. Both capacity and
energy must be supplied to replace these losses.
.
Voltage control is complicated by two additional factors.
.
First, the transmission system itself is a nonlinear consumer of reactive power, depending on system
loading. At very light loading the system generates reactive power that must be absorbed, while at
heavy loading the system consumes a large amount of reactive power that must be replaced. The
systems reactive-power requirements also depend on the generation and transmission configuration.
.
Consequently, system reactive requirements vary in time as load levels and load and generation
patterns change. The bulk-power system is composed of many pieces of equipment, any one of
which can fail at any time. Therefore, the system is designed to withstand the loss of any single piece
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which can fail at any time. Therefore, the system is designed to withstand the loss of any single piece
of equipment and to continue operating without impacting any customers. That is, the system is
designed to withstand a single contingency. Taken together, these two factors result in a dynamic
reactive-power requirement. The loss of a generator or a major transmission line can have the
compounding effect of reducing the reactive supply and, at the same time, reconfiguring flows such
that the system is consuming additional reactive power.
.
At least a portion of the reactive supply must be capable of responding quickly to changing reactive-
power demands and to maintain acceptable voltages throughout the system. Thus, just as an
electrical system requires real-power reserves to respond to contingencies, so too it must maintain
reactive-power reserves.
.
Loads can also be both real and reactive. The reactive portion of the load could be served from the
transmission system. Reactive loads incur more voltage drop and reactive losses in the transmission
system than do similar-size (MVA) real loads.
.
Vertically integrated utilities often include charges for provision of reactive power to loads in their
rates. With restructuring, the trend is to restrict loads to operation at near zero reactive power
demand (a 1.0 power factor). The system operator proposal limits loads to power factors between
0.97 lagging (absorbing reactive power) and 0.99 leading. This would help to maintain reliability of
the system and avoid the problems of market power in which a company could use its transmission
lines to limit competition for generation and increase its prices.

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Purpose of Reactive Power
Synchronous generators, SVC and various types of other DER (Distributed energy resource)
equipment are used to maintain voltages throughout the transmission system. Injecting reactive power
into the system raises voltages, and absorbing reactive power lowers voltages.
.
Voltage-support requirements are a function of the locations and magnitudes of generator outputs
and customer loads and of the configuration of the DER transmission system.
.
These requirements can differ substantially from location to location and can change rapidly as the
location and magnitude of generation and load change. At very low levels of system load,
transmission lines act as capacitors and increase voltages. At high levels of load, however,
transmission lines absorb reactive power and thereby lower voltages. Most transmission-system
equipment (e.g., capacitors, inductors, and tap-changing transformers) is static but can be switched
to respond to changes in voltage-support requirements
.
System operation has three objectives when managing reactive power and voltages.
.
First, it must maintain adequate voltages throughout the transmission and distribution system for both
current and contingency conditions.
.
Second, it seeks to minimize congestion of real-power flows.
.
Third, it seeks to minimize real-power losses.
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Third, it seeks to minimize real-power losses.
.
However, the mechanisms that system operators use to acquire and deploy reactive-power resources
are changing .These mechanisms must be fair to all parties as well as effective. Further, they must be
demonstrably fair.

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What is Reactive Power?


While active power is the energy supplied to run a motor, heat a home, or illuminate an electric light
bulb, reactive power provides the important function of regulating voltage.
If voltage on the system is not high enough, active power cannot be supplied.
Reactive power is used to provide the voltage levels necessary for active power to do useful work.
Reactive power is essential to move active power through the transmission and distribution system to
the customer.

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Why Do We Need Reactive Power?


Reactive power (VARS) is required to maintain the voltage to deliver active power (watts) through
transmission lines.
Motor loads and other loads require reactive power to convert the flow of electrons into useful work.
When there is not enough reactive power, the voltage sags down and it is not possible to push the
power demanded by loads through the lines.
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power demanded by loads through the lines.

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Reactive Power is a Byproduct of Alternating Current (AC) Systems


Transformers, transmission lines, and motors require reactive power
Transformers and transmission lines introduce inductance as well as resistance:
Both oppose the flow of current
Must raise the voltage higher to push the power through the inductance of the lines
Unless capacitance is introduced to offset inductance
The farther the transmission of power, the higher the voltage needs to be raised
Electric motors need reactive power to produce magnetic fields for their operation

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How Are Voltages Controlled?


Voltages are controlled by providing sufficient reactive power control margin to modulate and supply
needs through:
Shunt capacitor and reactor compensations
Dynamic compensation
Proper voltage schedule of generation.
Voltages are controlled by predicting and correcting reactive power demand from loads

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Voltage must be maintained within Acceptable Levels


Under normal system conditions, both peak or off peak load conditions, the voltages need to be
maintained between 95% and 105% of the nominal.
Low voltage conditions could result in equipment malfunctions:
Motor will stall, overheat or damage
Reactive power output of capacitors will be reduced exponentially
Generating units may trip.
High voltage conditions may:
Damage major equipment insulation failure
Automatically trip major transmission equipment

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Voltage and Reactive Power


Voltage and reactive power must be properly managed and controlled to:
Provide adequate service quality
Maintain proper stability of the power system.

Reactive Power and Power Factor


Reactive power is present when the voltage and current are not in phase:
One waveform leads the other
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One waveform leads the other
Phase angle not equal to 0o
Power factor less than unity
Measured in volt-ampere reactive (VAR)
Produced when the current waveform leads voltage waveform (Leading power factor)
Vice versa, consumed when the current waveform lags voltage (lagging power factor)

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Reactive Power Limitations


Reactive power does not travel very far.
Usually necessary to produce it close to the location where it is needed
A supplier/source close to the location of the need is in a much better position to provide reactive
power versus one that is located far from the location of the need
Reactive power supplies are closely tied to the ability to deliver real or active power.

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Reactive power caused absence of electrical supply in country-A

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Reactive power caused absence of electrical supply in country-A
blackout

Power Triangle

The quality of the electrical energy supply can be evaluated basing on a number of parameters.
However, the most important will be always the presence of electrical energy and the number and
duration of interrupts.
.
If there is no voltage in the socket nobody will care about harmonics, sags or surges.
.
A long term, wide-spread interrupt a blackout leads usually to catastrophic losses. It is difficult to
imagine that in all the country there is no electrical supply.
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.
In reality such things have already happened a number of times. One of the reasons leading to a
blackout is reactive power that went out of the control.
.
When consumption of electrical energy is high, the demand on inductive reactive power increases
usually at the same proportion. In this moment, the transmission lines (that are well loaded) introduce
an extra inductive reactive power.
.
The local sources of capacitive reactive power become insufficient. It is necessary to deliver more of
the reactive power from generators in power plants.
.
It might happen that they are already fully loaded and the reactive power will have to be delivered
from more distant places or from abroad. Transmission of reactive power will load more the lines,
which in turn will introduce more reactive power. The voltage on customer side will decrease further.
Local control of voltage by means of autotransformers will lead to increase of current (to get the same
power) and this in turn will increase voltage drops in lines. In one moment this process can go like
avalanche reducing voltage to zero. In mean time most of the generators in power plants will switch
off due to unacceptably low voltage what of course will deteriorate the situation.
.
In continental Europe most of the power plant is based on heat and steam turbines. If a generation
unit in such power plant is stopped and cool down it requires time and electrical energy to start
operation again. If the other power plants are also off -the blackout is permanent.
.
Insufficient reactive power leading to voltage collapse has been a causal factor in major blackouts in
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Insufficient reactive power leading to voltage collapse has been a causal factor in major blackouts in
the worldwide. Voltage collapse occurred in United States in the blackout of July 2, 1996, and
August10, 1996 on the West Coast.
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While August 14, 2003, blackout in the United States and Canada was not due to a voltage collapse
as that term has traditionally used by power system engineers, the task force final report said that
Insufficient reactive power was an issue in the blackout and the report also overestimation of
dynamics reactive output of system generation as common factor among major outages in the
United States.
.
Demand for reactive power was unusually high because of a large volume of long-distance
transmissions streaming through Ohio to areas, including Canada, than needed to import
power to meet local demand. But the supply of reactive power was low because some
plants were out of service and, possibly, because other plants were not producing enough
of it.

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Problems of reactive power


Though reactive power is needed to run many electrical devices, it can cause harmful effects on your
appliances and other motorized loads, as well as your electrical infrastructure. Since the current
flowing through your electrical system is higher than that necessary to do the required work, excess
power dissipates in the form of heat as the reactive current flows through resistive components like
wires, switches and transformers. Keep in mind that whenever energy is expended, you pay. It makes
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no difference whether the energy is expended in the form of heat or useful work.
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We can determine how much reactive power your electrical devices use by measuring their power
factor, the ratio between real power and true power. A power factor of 1 (i.e. 100%) ideally means
that all electrical power is applied towards real work. Homes typically have overall power factors in
the range of 70% to 85%, depending upon which appliances may be running. Newer homes with the
latest in energy efficient appliances can have an overall power factor in the nineties.
.
The typical residential power meter only reads real power, i.e. what you would have with a power
factor of 100%. While most electric companies do not charge residences directly for reactive power,
its a common misconception to say that reactive power correction has no economic benefit. To
begin with, electric companies correct for power factor around industrial complexes, or they will
request the offending customer to do so at his expense, or they will charge more for reactive power.
Clearly electric companies benefit from power factor correction, since transmission lines carrying the
additional (reactive) current to heavily industrialized areas costs them money. Many people overlook
the benefits that power factor correction can offer the typical home in comparison to the savings and
other benefits that businesses with large inductive loads can expect.
.
Most importantly, you pay for reactive power in the form of energy losses created by the reactive
current flowing in your home. These losses are in the form of heat and cannot be returned to the grid.
Hence you pay. The fewer kilowatts expended in the home, whether from heat dissipation or not, the
lower the electric bill. Since power factor correction reduces the energy losses, you save.
.
As stated earlier, electric companies correct for power factor around industrial complexes, or they will
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As stated earlier, electric companies correct for power factor around industrial complexes, or they will
request the offending customer to do so, or they will charge for reactive power. Theyre not worried
about residential service because the impact on their distribution grid is not as severe as in heavily
industrialized areas. However, it is true that power factor correction assists the electric company by
reducing demand for electricity, thereby allowing them to satisfy service needs elsewhere. But who
cares? Power factor correction lowers your electric bill by reducing the number of kilowatts expended,
and without it your electric bill will be higher, guaranteed.
.
Weve encountered this with other electric companies and have been successful in getting each of
them to issue a retraction. Electric companies do vary greatly and many show no interest in deviating
from their standard marketing strategy by acknowledging proven energy saving products. Keep in
mind that promoting REAL energy savings to all their customers would devastate their bottom line.
.
Power factor correction will not raise your electric bill or do harm to your electrical devices. The
technology has been successfully applied throughout industry for years. When sized properly, power
factor correction will enhance the electrical efficiency and longevity of inductive loads. Power factor
correction can have adverse side effects (e.g. harmonics) on sensitive industrialized equipment if not
handled by knowledgeable, experienced professionals. Power factor correction on residential
dwellings is limited to the capacity of the electrical panel (200 amp max) and does not over
compensate household inductive loads. By increasing the efficiency of electrical systems, energy
demand and its environmental impact is lessened.

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Profound effects of Reactive Power in Various elements of Power


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Profound effects of Reactive Power in Various elements of Power
System:
Generation
An electric-power generators primary function is to convert fuel (or other energy resource) into
electric power. Almost all generators* also have considerable control over their terminal voltage and
reactive-power output.
.
Payment for the use of this resource is the specific focus of voltage control from generation service.
The ability of generator to provide reactive support depends on its real-power production. Like most
electric equipment, generators are limited by their current-carrying capability. Near rated voltage, this
capability becomes an MVA limit for the armature of the generator rather than a MW limitation.
.
Production of reactive power involves increasing the magnetic field to raise the generators terminal
voltage. Increasing the magnetic field requires increasing the current in the rotating field winding.
Absorption of reactive power is limited by the magnetic-flux pattern in the stator, which results in
excessive heating of the stator-end iron, the core-end heating limit.
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The synchronizing torque is also reduced when absorbing large amounts of reactive power, which can
also limit generator capability to reduce the chance of losing synchronism with the system.
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The generator prime mover (e.g., the steam turbine) is usually designed with less capacity than the
electric generator, resulting in the prime-mover limit. The designers recognize that the generator will
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electric generator, resulting in the prime-mover limit. The designers recognize that the generator will
be producing reactive power and supporting system voltage most of the time. Providing a prime
mover capable of delivering all the mechanical power the generator can convert to electricity when it
is neither producing nor absorbing reactive power would result in underutilization of the prime mover.
.
To produce or absorb additional VARs beyond these limits would require a reduction in the real-
power output of the unit. Control over the reactive output and the terminal voltage of the generator is
provided by adjusting the DC current in the generators rotating field .Control can be automatic,
continuous, and fast.
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The inherent characteristics of the generator help maintain system voltage. At any given field setting,
the generator has a specific terminal voltage it is attempting to hold. If the system voltage declines,
the generator will inject reactive power into the power system, tending to raise system voltage. If the
system voltage rises, the reactive output of the generator will drop, and ultimately reactive power will
flow into the generator, tending to lower system voltage. The voltage regulator will accentuate this
behavior by driving the field current in the appropriate direction to obtain the desired system voltage.

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Synchronous condesers
Every synchronous machine (motor or generator) with a controllable field has the reactive-power
capabilities discussed above.
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Synchronous motors are occasionally used to provide dynamic voltage support to the power system
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Synchronous motors are occasionally used to provide dynamic voltage support to the power system
as they provide mechanical power to their load. Some combustion turbines and hydro units are
designed to allow the generator to operate without its mechanical power source simply to provide the
reactive-power capability to the power system when the real-power generation is unavailable or not
needed.
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Synchronous machines that are designed exclusively to provide reactive support are called
synchronous condensers.
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Synchronous condensers have all of the response speed and controllability advantages of generators
without the need to construct the rest of the power plant (e.g., fuel-handling equipment and boilers).
Because they are rotating machines with moving parts and auxiliary systems, they may require
significantly more maintenance than static alternatives. They also consume real power equal to about
3% of the machines reactive-power rating.

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Capacitors and inductors


Capacitors and inductors (which are sometimes called reactors) are passive devices that generate or
absorb reactive power. They accomplish this without significant real-power losses or operating
expense. The output of capacitors and inductors is proportional to the square of the voltage. Thus, a
capacitor bank (or inductor) rated at 100 MVAR will produce (or absorb) only 90 MVAR when the
voltage dips to 0.95 pu but it will produce (or absorb) 110 MVAR when the voltage rises to 1.05 pu.
This relationship is helpful when inductors are employed to hold voltages down.
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.
The inductor absorbs more when voltages are highest and the device is needed most. The
relationship is unfortunate for the more common case where capacitors are employed to support
voltages. In the extreme case, voltages fall, and capacitors contribute less, resulting in a further
degradation in voltage and even less support from the capacitors; ultimately, voltage collapses and
outages occur.
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Inductors are discrete devices designed to absorb a specific amount of reactive power at a specific
voltage. They can be switched on or off but offer no variable control.
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Capacitor banks are composed of individual capacitor cans, typically 200 kVAR or less each. The
cans are connected in series and parallel to obtain the desired capacitor-bank voltage and capacity
rating. Like inductors, capacitor banks are discrete devices but they are often configured with several
steps to provide a limited amount of variable control which makes it a disadvantage compared to
synchronous motor.

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Static VAR compensators (SVCs)


An SVC combines conventional capacitors and inductors with fast switching capability. Switching
takes place in the sub cycle time frame (i.e., in less than 1/60 of a second), providing a continuous
range of control. The range can be designed to span from absorbing to generating reactive power.
Consequently, the controls can be designed to provide very fast and effective reactive support and
voltage control. Because SVCs use capacitors, they suffer from the same degradation in reactive
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voltage control. Because SVCs use capacitors, they suffer from the same degradation in reactive
capability as voltage drops. They also do not have the short-term overload capability of generators
and synchronous condensers. SVC applications usually require harmonic filters to reduce the amount
of harmonics injected into the power system.

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Static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs)


The STATCOM is a solid-state shunt device that generates or absorbs reactive power and is one
member of a family of devices known as flexible AC transmission system (FACTS).
The STATCOM is similar to the SVC in response speed, control capabilities, and the use of power
electronics. Rather than using conventional capacitors and inductors combined with fast switches,
however, the STATCOM uses power electronics to synthesize the reactive power output.
Consequently, output capability is generally symmetric, providing as much capability for production as
absorption.
The solid-state nature of the STATCOM means that, similar to the SVC, the controls can be
designed to provide very fast and effective voltage control. While not having the short-term overload
capability of generators and synchronous condensers, STATCOM capacity does not suffer as
seriously as SVCs and capacitors do from degraded voltage.
STATCOMs are current limited so their MVAR capability responds linearly to voltage as opposed to
the voltage squared relationship of SVCs and capacitors. This attribute greatly increases the
usefulness of STATCOMs in preventing voltage collapse.

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Distributed generation
Distributing generation resources throughout the power system can have a beneficial effect if the
generation has the ability to supply reactive power. Without this ability to control reactive-power
output, performance of the transmission and distribution system can be degraded. Induction
generators were an attractive choice for small, grid-connected generation, primarily because they are
relatively inexpensive. They do not require synchronizing and have mechanical characteristics that are
appealing for some applications (wind, for example). They also absorb reactive power rather than
generate it, and are not controllable. If the output from the generator fluctuates (as wind does), the
reactive demand of the generator fluctuates as well, compounding voltage-control problems for the
transmission system. Induction generators can be compensated with static capacitors, but this
strategy does not address the fluctuation problem or provide controlled voltage support. Many
distributed generation resources are now being coupled to the grid through solid-state power
electronics to allow the prime movers speed to vary independently of the power-system frequency.
For wind, this use of solid-state electronics can improve the energy capture.
.
For gas-fired micro turbines, power electronics equipment allows them to operate at very high
speeds. Photovoltaics generate direct current and require inverters to couple them to the power
system. Energy-storage devices (e.g., batteries, flywheels, and superconducting magnetic-energy
storage devices) are often distributed as well and require solid-state inverters to interface with the
grid. This increased use of a solid-state interface between the devices and the power system has the
added benefit of providing full reactive-power control, similar to that of a STATCOM.
.
In fact, most devices do not have to be providing active power for the full range of reactive control to
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In fact, most devices do not have to be providing active power for the full range of reactive control to
be available. The generation prime mover, e.g. turbine, can be out of service while the reactive
component is fully functional. This technological development (solid-state power electronics) has
turned a potential problem into a benefit, allowing distributed resources to contribute to voltage
control.

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Transmission side
Unavoidable consequence of loads operation is presence of reactive power, associated with phase
shifting between voltage and current.
.
Some portion of this power is compensated on customer side, while the rest is loading the network.
The supply contracts do not require a cos equal to one. The reactive power is also used by the
transmission lines owner for controlling the voltages.
.
Reactive component of current adds to the loads current and increases the voltage drops across
network impedances. Adjusting the reactive power flow the operator change voltage drops in lines
and in this way the voltage at customer connection point. The voltage on customer side depends on
everything what happens on the way from generator to customer loads. All nodes, connation points of
other transmission lines, distribution station and other equipment contribute to reactive power flow.
.
A transmission line itself is also a source of reactive power. A line that is open on the other end
(without load) is like a capacitor and is a source of capacitive (leading) reactive power. The
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(without load) is like a capacitor and is a source of capacitive (leading) reactive power. The
lengthwise inductances without current are not magnetized and do not introduce any reactive
components.
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On the other hand, when a line is conducting high current, the contribution of the lengthwise
inductances is prevalent and the line itself becomes a source of inductive (lagging) reactive power.
For each line can be calculated a characteristic value of power flow Sk.
.
If the transmitted power is above Sk, the line will introduce additionally inductive reactive power, and
if it is below Sk, the line will introduce capacitive reactive power. The value of Sk depends on the
voltage: for 400 kV line is about 32% of the nominal transmission power, for 220 kV line is about
28% and for 110 kV line is about 22%. The percentage will vary accordingly to construction
parameters.
.
The reactive power introduced by the lines themselves is really a nuisance for the transmission
system operator. In the night, when the demand is low it is necessary to connect parallel reactors for
consuming the additional capacitive reactive power of the lines. Sometimes it is necessary to switch
off a low-loaded line (what definitely affect the system reliability). In peak hours not only the customer
loads cause big voltage drops but also the inductive reactive power of the lines adds to the total
power flow and causes further voltage drops.
.
The voltage and reactive power control has some limitations. A big part of reactive power is
generated in power plant unites. The generators can deliver smoothly adjustable leading and lagging
reactive power without any fuel costs.
.
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.
However, the reactive power occupies the generation capacity and reduces the active power
production. Furthermore, it is not worth to transmit reactive power for long distance (because of active
power losses). Control provided on the way in transmission line, connation nodes, distribution
station and other points requires installation of capacitors or\and reactors.
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They are often used with transformer tap changing system. The range of voltage control depends on
their size. The control may consist e.g. in setting the transformer voltage higher and then reducing it
by reactive currents flow.
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If the transformer voltage reaches the highest value and all capacitors are in operation, the voltage
on customer side cannot be further increase. On the other hand when a reduction is required the limit
is set by maximal reactive power of reactors and the lowest tap of transformer.

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Voltage and reactive power planning and assessment practices


(1) Key Principles:
Reactive power cannot be transmitted over a long distance or through power transformers due to
excessive reactive power losses.
Reactive power supply should be located in close proximity to its consumption.
Sufficient static and dynamic voltage support is needed to maintain voltage levels within an
acceptable range.
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Sufficient reactive power reserves must be available to regulate voltage at all time

(2) Key Implications:


Metering must be in place and maintained to capture actual reactive consumption at various points.
Transmission and Distribution planners must determine in advance the required type and location of
reactive correction.
Reactive power devices must be maintained and functioning properly to ensure the correct amount of
reactive compensation.
Distribution reactive loads must be fully compensated before transmission reactive compensation is
considered.

(3) Transmitting Reactive Power


Reactive power cannot be effectively transmitted across long distances or through power
transformers due to high I2X losses
Reactive power should be located in close proximity to its consumption.

(4) Static vs. Dynamic Voltage Support


The type of reactive compensation required is based on the time needed for voltage recovery.
Static Compensation is ideal for second and minute responses. (Capacitors, reactors, tap changes).
Dynamic Compensation is ideal for instantaneous responses. (condensers, generators)
A proper balance of static and dynamic voltage support is needed to maintain voltage levels within an
acceptable range.
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(5) Reactive Reserves during Varying Operating Conditions
Ideally, the system capacitors, reactors, and condensers should be operated to supply the normal
reactive load.
As the load increases or following a contingency, additional capacitors should be switched on or
reactors removed to maintain acceptable system voltages.
The reactive capability of the generators should be largely reserved for contingencies on the EHV
system or to support voltages during extreme system operating conditions.
Load shedding schemes must be implemented if a desired voltage is unattainable thru reactive
power reserves.

(6) Voltage Coordination


The reactive sources must be coordinated to ensure that adequate voltages are maintained
everywhere on the interconnected system during all possible system conditions.
Maintaining acceptable system voltages involves the coordination of sources and sinks which include:
Plant voltage schedules
Transformer tap settings
Reactive device settings
Load shedding schemes.
The consequences of uncoordinated operations would include:
Increased reactive power losses
A reduction in reactive margin available for contingencies and extreme light load conditions
Excessive switching of shunt capacitors or reactors
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Excessive switching of shunt capacitors or reactors
Increased probability of voltage collapse conditions.

(7) Voltage Schedule


Each power plant is requested to maintain a particular voltage on the system bus to which the plant is
connected.
The assigned schedule will permit the generating unit to typically operate:
In the middle of its reactive capability range during normal conditions
At the high end of its reactive capability range during contingencies
Under excited or absorb reactive power under extreme light load conditions.

(8) Transformer Tap Settings


Transformer taps must be coordinated with each other and with nearby generating station voltage
schedules.
The transformer taps should be selected so that secondary voltages remain below equipment limits
during light load conditions.

(9) Reactive Device Settings


Capacitors on the low voltage networks should be set to switch on to maintain voltages during peak
and contingency conditions. And
Off when no longer required supporting voltage levels.

(10) Load Shedding Schemes


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(10) Load Shedding Schemes
Load shedding schemes must be implemented as a last resort to maintain acceptable voltages.

(11) Voltage and Reactive Power Control


Requires the coordination work of all Transmission and Distribution disciplines.
Transmission needs to:
Forecast the reactive demand and required reserve margin
Plan, engineer, and install the required type and location of reactive correction
Maintain reactive devices for proper compensation
Maintain meters to ensure accurate data
Recommend the proper load shedding scheme if necessary.
Distribution needs to:
Fully compensate distribution loads before Transmission reactive compensation is
considered
Maintain reactive devices for proper compensation
Maintain meters to ensure accurate data
Install and test automatic under voltage load shedding schemes

References:
1. Samir Aganovi,
2. Zoran Gaji,
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2. Zoran Gaji,
3. Grzegorz Blajszczak- Warsaw, Poland,
4. Gianfranco Chicco
5. Robert P. OConnell-Williams Power Company
6. Harry L. Terhune-American Transmission Company,
7. Abraham Lomi, Fernando Alvarado, Blagoy Borissov, Laurence D. Kirsch
8. Robert Thomas,
9. OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

AdChoices Power Factor System Load Electrical Power Power Engineering

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Article Tags // Filed Under Category //


alternating current, blackout, maintain, power factor, Energy and Power
problems, purpose, reactive power, real power,
system, voltage,

About Author //
Jignesh Parmar
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Jignesh Parmar
jiguparmar - Jignesh Parmar has completed M.Tech (Power System Control)
,B.E(Electrical). He is member of Institution of Engineers (MIE),India. Membership
No:M-1473586.He has more than 13 years experience in Transmission -
Distribution-Electrical Energy theft detection-Electrical Maintenance-Electrical
Projects (Planning-Designing-Technical Review-coordination -Execution). He is Presently associate with
one of the leading business group as a Deputy Manager at Ahmedabad,India. He has published numbers
of Technical Articles in "Electrical Mirror", "Electrical India", "Lighting India", "Industrial Electrix"(Australian
Power Publications) Magazines. He is Freelancer Programmer of Advance Excel and design useful Excel
base Electrical Programs as per IS, NEC, IEC,IEEE codes. He is Technical Blogger and Familiar with
English, Hindi, Gujarati, French languages. He wants to Share his experience & Knowledge and help
technical enthusiasts to find suitable solutions and updating themselves on various Engineering Topics.

32 Comments RSS Feed for Comments

This article will thoroughly confuse the engineers, who do not have much experience in
reactive controls such as generator VAR control and/or SVC systems.
S.
Partheeban (reply)

N OV 01, 2016

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Great article

(reply)
Chhunhour
YEK
N OV 01, 2016

Helpful article but needs proof reading and language corrections at the top.

(reply)
Hugh
Meares
AU G 24, 2016

Excellent read.vs helpful

(reply)
Sanjoy
AU G 17, 2016

tell about smart grid, smart metering

(reply)
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(reply)
Jobmon
Jacob
J U L 13, 2016

hello
I information or articles about the impact of reactive power on the parameters of electric
Mehdi and magnetic synchronous generator want everyone can help ? ? ?
MA R 0 7 , 2 0 1 6 or about the impact of reactive power on regulating protective relays .
email : abiroshan1389@gmail.com
Thanks

(reply)

thanke you mister

(reply)
Abdessamed
D EC 16, 2015

New to the wind and HV industry, this made me understand the whole Reactive Power a
lot better than it was explained in University.
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Thijs Much appreciated,
OC T 27, 2015 Thanks

(reply)

sir ,
i works in iocl . my switch yard which is recieving end of uppcl that charges by the rate of
Santosh kva . i want to installation of shunt capacitor so i want to know that description of capacitor
Kishore bank,cost cutting , energy saving and formulae to be used our reciving end voltage is 33kv
SEP 04, 2015
and current is 10 A. pls guide me immediately

(reply)

Thank you Mr. Jignesh Parmar

(reply)
Tawfiq
BENSABER
J U N 11, 2015

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sir is there any equations or relations to justify that voltage reduces due to decrease of
reactive power and vice versa?
Sam
(reply)
MA Y 0 7 , 2 0 1 5

These papers may be helpful: (eq. 1)


1-A review on voltage control methods for active distribution networks
Hossein 2-Voltage control techniques for electrical distribution networks including distributed
MA Y 2 7 , 2 0 1 5 generation

(reply)

The information provided is so much useful..Landed in a best place after many trails
Keep doing good..:)
Raju
(reply)
F EB 12, 2015

Very useful & interesting

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(reply)
Satish Kr.
Barnwal
N OV 21, 2014

too good. :)

(reply)
Rohit
OC T 16, 2014

[] One of these is the necessity of reactive power that needs to be supplied along with
Legalectric active power. Reactive power can be leading or lagging.While it is the active power that
Blog Archive
contributes to the energy consumed, or []
Transmission
For Us In
(reply)
Delaware?
NOT!
AU G 23, 2014

Following can said in the answer to the question What is reactive power?
It is power associated with the net zero energy transfer over a integer multiple of cycles of
Dr Sanjay R supply.
open inJoshi
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Joshi
J U N 24, 2014 Also following is worth to note :

In case of say, induction machine, the reactive power is responsible for the magnetic field,
which is the,a must medium for energy transfer. Now this field strength has to be constant
so that the machine magnetic circuit do not saturate. So the magnetic field must not get
any amount energy once it is fully developed. At the same time, a continuous flow of
current has to be there in order to have the flux. The flux is there as long as the current
flows in the stator winding. These both can happen only if the current responsible for
machine magnetization, over a cycle (to be more specific even a half cycle) , do not
become a tool for transfer of energy from source to machine magnetic field. So, here there
is the role of reactive power.
Therefore. we can state that the machine operation is possible only if it draws reactive
power from the source.

(reply)

Very informative. I have some queries pls,


1. Reactive power is required by some loads, so does the utility specifically generate
Arifa reactive power for that purpose? i know S=P+jQ, Does generating station produce S or
F EB 24, 2014 P?

(reply)
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It produces S, wich include P and Q.

(reply)
Oc
J U N 25, 2014

Fine.
thanks.
Sewar
(reply)
F EB 07, 2014

Hello;
first of all, the lecture is very intersting and important, thank you
Tamer But ive a question. you state that Reactive power is essential to move active power
J AN 08, 2014 through the transmission and distribution system to the customer.
can you explain these part for me ??

(reply)

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Hello Tamer,
Well you can see that whatever is developed at consumers end is neglected ,you know
Abhishek we have different appliances with different power consumption in order to vary the
MA R 0 1 , 2 0 1 6 voltage at users end , it is necessary to control voltage .So thats the main reason we
have supply reactive power .

(reply)

[] = 468; google_ad_height = 60; The relevant Standards on this device recommend a


Capacitor continuous overload capacity of 30%. A capacitor can have a tolerance of up to +15% in
Banks In
Power its capacitance value. All []
System
(Part Two) |
(reply)
EEP
J U N 15, 2013

[] of conductors. Some of that current transmits real power, but some flows to supply
Reducing reactive power. Reactive power provides magnetizing for motors and other inductive
Distribution
Line Losses loads. Reactive power does not spin kWh meters []
| EEP
J U N 19, 2012
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J U N 19, 2012
(reply)

[] of these systems is to supply the network as quickly as possible with inductive or


Flexible AC capacitive reactive power that is adapted to its particular requirements, while also
Transmission
System - improving transmission quality and the []
What And
Why? | EEP
(reply)
J U N 03, 2012

[] from part two Capacitor Banks In Power System (part two)Maximum Permissible
Capacitor CurrentCapacitor units shall be suitable for continuous operation at an RMS current of
Banks In
Power 1.30 times the current that occurs []
System
(Part Three)
(reply)
| EEP
MA R 0 3 , 2 0 1 2

[] Shunt capacitor bank in Kolbotten station, Sweden (Swedish Power Grid), 220 kV, 50
Improve Hz, 100MVArShunt capacitor banks are used to an increasing extent at all voltage levels.
Power
Transfer There are a variety of reasons for []
With Shunt
Capacitor
(reply)
open inBanks
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Capacitor
(reply)
Banks |
EEP
J AN 20, 2012

[] construction (stator/rotor) GeneralSynchronous motors convert electrical power to


Synchronous mechanical power; synchronous generators convert mechanical power to electrical power;
Motor
Construction and synchronous condensers supply only reactive []
| EEP
J AN 14, 2012
(reply)

Is there any thumbrule for calculation of required KVAr for achieve given power factor
assuming KVA constant
Kbhuva
(reply)
N OV 01, 2011

S for 4 hp we should take 1kvar

(reply)
Balaji
D EC 20, 2013

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[] turn-off capability. The operating principal and characteristics of thyristors realize SVC
What Is The variable reactive impedance. SVC includes two main components and their combination:
Static Var
Compensator Thyristor-controlled and []
(SVC)? |
EEP
(reply)
SEP 25, 2011

Thnx

(reply)
Krishna
AU G 29, 2011

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