Q # 01

Describe Effect of shunt & series connected devices for reactive power
compensation?

Answer:

Shunt compensation:
In shunt compensation, power system is connected in shunt (parallel) with the FACTS. It works as a
controllable current source. Shunt compensation is of two types:

Shunt capacitive compensation

This method is used to improve the power factor. Whenever an inductive load is connected to the
transmission line, power factor lags because of lagging load current. To compensate, a shunt capacitor is
connected which draws current leading the source voltage. The net result is improvement in power factor.

Shunt inductive compensation

This method is used either when charging the transmission line. Due to very low, or no load  - very low
current flows through the transmission line. Shunt capacitance in the transmission line causes voltage
amplification (Ferranti Effect). To compensate, shunt inductors are connected across the transmission
line.

At the buses where reactive power demand increases the bus voltage is controlled by
connecting capacitor banks in parallel to lagging load. Capacitor banks supply a part of or full
reactive power of load, which reduces magnitude of the source current needed to supply load.

Series Compensation:
A device that is connected in series with the transmission line is called a series compensator. When
the line has the value of high reactance to resistance ratio than the inductive reactance of
the transmission line could be decreased by introducing series capacitors as a results in low voltage
drop. If a load with lagging power factor is connected at the end the voltage drop in the line is given by

VD = I(Rcosό + X Lsinό)
If a capacitance C with reactance Xc is connected in series with the line then the reactance
will reduced to [XL Xc] and the voltage drop is reduced. And also the reactive power taken by the line is
reduced. From the phasor diagram the line voltage drop is,
VD = I(Rcosό + (X L-XC) sinό)

Hence the series capacitors is used to reduce the voltage drop in the lines with low power factor and
also improves the voltage at the receiving end specifically with low power factor loads. For variable load
conditions the voltage is controlled by switching in suitable series capacitors in the line.
Q # 02:Describe the effect of Synchronous condenser regarding reactive power
conduction and absorption?
Answer:

synchronous condenser is a device identical to a synchronous motor, whose shaft is not

connected to anything but spins freely. ] Its purpose is not to convert electric power to mechanical power or
vice versa, but to adjust conditions on the electric power transmission grid. Its field is controlled by a
voltage regulator to either generate or absorb reactive power as needed to adjust the grid's voltage, or to
improve power factor. The condenser’s installation and operation are identical to large electric motor and
generators. Synchronous condensers have all of the response speed and controllability advantages of
generators without the need to construct the rest of the power plant. As compared to the static
alternatives of reactive power support, due to presence of moving parts and system auxiliaries, they
require more maintenance. They also consume real power equal to about 3% of the machine’s reactive-
power rating. Because of the rotating inertia of the synchronous condenser, it can provide limited voltage
support during very short power drops . Synchronous condensers are also useful for supporting voltage
levels

Q # 03 : Describe Why the effect of capacitor is eliminated in distribution lines?

Answer:
Capacitor eliminated in distribution line because beside it provides power factor correction
they provide low impedance path for certain harmonics current. Capacitors which supply reactive power
are connected parallel to the transmission lines at the receiving end so as to compensate the reactive
power consumed by the inductive loads. To improve the security and reliability of a distribution system, as
much power as feasible must go through a given transmission line. This can be achieved by using shunt
capacitors as compensators. These shunt capacitive compensators improve the load carrying capability
of the line by controlling the reactive power flow.
Q # 04 : Discuss expression to evaluate surge impedance loading of transmission line ?
Answer:
The surge impedance loading (SIL) of a line is the power load at which the net reactive power is
zero. So, if your transmission line wants to "absorb" reactive power, the SIL is the amount of reactive
power you would have to produce to balance it out to zero. You can calculate it by dividing the square of
the line-to-line voltage by the line's characteristic impedance. Transmission lines can be considered as, a
small inductance in series and a small capacitance to earth, - a very large number of this combinations, in
series. Whatever voltage drop occurs due to inductance gets compensated by capacitance. If this
compensation is exact, you have surge impedance loading and no voltage drop occurs for an infinite
length or, a finite length terminated by impedance of this value (SIL load).

The surge impedance of transmission-line towers is very important in the design of electric transmission
lines. The surge impedance has similar effect as a resistance in direct current circuits.