Reactive Power Control

BY
DR MANISHA DUBEY
PROFESSOR(ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING)
Table of Contents
1.Introduction to Reactive Power
2.Fundamentals of Reactive Power
3.Reactive Power Control
4.Need & Importance of Reactive Power Control
5.Examples in Power Systems
6.Reactive Power Compensation
7.Significance of Reactive Power Control
8.Associated Problems
Part 1: Introduction to Reactive Power
Reactive Power:

Reactive power (Q) is the component of electrical power that oscillates between
the source and the load, which does not perform any actual work but is
necessary to maintain the voltage levels in the system for the proper
functioning of electrical devices. It is measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR)
and is associated with the energy storage in inductive and capacitive
components of the AC power system. Reactive power is crucial for sustaining
the magnetic fields in motors and transformers and for maintaining the voltage
levels necessary for active power (P) to perform useful work.
Power Factor:

Power factor is a measure of how effectively the electrical power is

being used. It is the ratio of active power (P) to apparent power (S).
Power Factor (PF)=P\S= cos⁡θ
Where θ is the phase angle between the voltage and current. A
power factor of 1 indicates all the power is being used effectively
(purely resistive load), while a power factor less than 1 indicates the
presence of reactive power.
 Power Triangle:
The relationship between active power (P), reactive power (Q), and apparent
power (S) can be visualized using a power triangle:
•The horizontal axis represents active power (P).
•The vertical axis represents reactive power (Q).
•The hypotenuse represents apparent power (S).
S2=P2+Q2
Phasor Diagram:
In AC circuits, voltage and current can be represented as phasors (vectors). The
phase difference between voltage and current determines the amount of reactive
power in the system.
•Inductive Load: Current lags behind the voltage (e.g., motors, transformers).
•Capacitive Load: Current leads the voltage (e.g., capacitor banks).
Basic Concepts of Reactive Power
Introduction to Reactive Power:
In electrical power systems, power can be divided into three main components: active power
(P), reactive power (Q), and apparent power (S).
•Active Power (P): This is the actual power that performs useful work in an electrical system. It is
measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) and is the power consumed by resistive loads like
heaters, lights, and motors.
•Reactive Power (Q): This is the power that oscillates between the source and reactive
components (inductors and capacitors) in the system. It is measured in volt-amperes reactive
(VAR) or kilovolt-amperes reactive (kVAR). Reactive power does not perform useful work but is
necessary for maintaining voltage levels and the functioning of AC power systems.
•Apparent Power (S): This is the combined effect of active and reactive power, representing the
total power flowing in the system. It is measured in volt-amperes (VA) or kilovolt-amperes (kVA).
Basics:

Reactive power arises due to the phase difference between voltage and current
in AC circuits, which is caused by inductive and capacitive components.
•Inductive Loads: These include motors, transformers, and inductors, which
cause the current to lag behind the voltage.
•Capacitive Loads: These include capacitor banks and synchronous condensers,
which cause the current to lead the voltage.
The reactive power (Q) can be positive (inductive) or negative (capacitive),
indicating whether the system needs or supplies reactive power to maintain
voltage stability.
The Need and Importance of
Reactive Power Control
Reactive Power Control:

Reactive power control refers to the management of reactive power to ensure

the efficient and stable operation of power systems. It involves regulating the

amount of reactive power produced or absorbed by various components in the

system to maintain voltage levels, improve power quality, and enhance system

reliability.
 Importance of Reactive
Power Control:

1.Voltage Stability:
Reactive power is essential for maintaining voltage levels within a power system.
Voltage stability ensures that all equipment operates efficiently and prevents
voltage collapse. For example, in long transmission lines, reactive power support
is needed to compensate for voltage drops. Without proper reactive power
control, voltage can drop to levels that cause malfunctions or even blackouts.
Example: In rural areas with long transmission lines, reactive power compensation
devices like shunt capacitors are used to maintain voltage levels, ensuring that
end consumers receive adequate voltage for their appliances.
Understanding Reactive
Power:

Reactive power arises due to the phase difference between voltage and current
in AC circuits, which is caused by inductive and capacitive components.
•Inductive Loads: These include motors, transformers, and inductors, which
cause the current to lag behind the voltage.
•Capacitive Loads: These include capacitor banks and synchronous condensers,
which cause the current to lead the voltage.
The reactive power (Q) can be positive (inductive) or negative (capacitive),
indicating whether the system needs or supplies reactive power to maintain
voltage stability.
Part 3: Reactive Power Control
Introduction to Reactive Power
Control
Objectives of Reactive Power Control
Reactive power control is essential for the efficient and stable operation of electrical power systems.
The primary objectives of reactive power control include:

1. Voltage Regulation:
Objective: Maintain voltage levels within acceptable limits across the power
system.
Importance: Voltage regulation ensures that all electrical equipment operates
efficiently and prevents voltage collapse, which can lead to blackouts.
2.Power Factor Improvement:
Objective: Improve the power factor by reducing the phase difference between
voltage and current.
Importance: A higher power factor indicates more efficient utilization of electrical
power, reducing energy losses and lowering electricity bills for consumers.
3. Minimization of Power Losses:
Objective: Reduce power losses in transmission and distribution lines.
Importance: Lowering reactive power flow decreases the overall current,
leading to reduced I²R losses (where I is current and R is resistance),
improving system efficiency.
4.Increased Transmission Capacity:
Objective: Enhance the capacity of transmission lines to carry active power.
Importance: Proper reactive power management allows for better utilization
of existing transmission infrastructure, delaying or avoiding the need for
costly upgrades.
5. Enhanced System Stability and Reliability:
Objective: Ensure the stability and reliability of the power system.
Importance: Effective reactive power control prevents voltage
sags, swells, and transients, which can disrupt sensitive equipment
and industrial processes.
6.Balancing Reactive Power Supply and Demand:
Objective: Match the reactive power supply with the demand
in the power system.
Importance: Maintaining a balance between reactive power generation
and consumption ensures that voltage levels are stable, and the power
system operates efficiently.
7.Reduction of Equipment Stress:
Objective: Minimize the stress on electrical equipment caused by
excessive reactive power.
Importance: Reducing reactive power flow prevents overheating and
prolongs the lifespan of transformers, motors, and other electrical devices.
8.Economic Efficiency:
Objective: Lower operational costs and avoid penalties associated
with poor power factor.
Importance: Utilities often charge penalties for low power factor,
and improving reactive power control can result in
significant cost savings for consumers.
9.Facilitation of Renewable Energy Integration:
Objective: Support the integration of renewable energy sources
into the power grid.
Importance: Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar,
can cause fluctuations in reactive power.
Effective control ensures these sources do not destabilize the power system.
10.Support for Load Growth:
Objective: Accommodate increasing loads without compromising
system stability.
Importance: As demand for electricity grows, reactive power control
helps manage the additional load without requiring extensive
infrastructure upgrades.
Methods of Reactive Power
Control
Reactive power control is essential for the efficient and stable operation of
power systems. There are various methods and devices used to manage
reactive power in the system. Here are the main methods in detail:
1. Shunt Capacitors
Function: Shunt capacitors are connected in parallel (shunt) with the load. They
provide leading reactive power to the system, which helps to offset the lagging
reactive power from inductive loads.
Applications:
•Distribution systems to improve voltage levels.
•Industrial plants to improve power factor and reduce energy costs.
 Contd..
Advantages:
•Simple and cost-effective.
•Improves voltage profile.
•Reduces losses and improves power factor.
Disadvantages:
•Fixed compensation might not adapt to varying load conditions.
•Potential for overcompensation.
Example: In a distribution network with a large number of residential
customers, shunt capacitors are used to maintain voltage levels during peak
demand periods.
2. Series Capacitors

Function: Series capacitors are installed in series with transmission lines. They
reduce the inductive reactance of the line, which helps to improve voltage
stability and increase transmission capacity.
Applications:
•Long transmission lines to enhance power transfer capability.
•Systems with significant inductive reactance.
Advantages:
•Improves voltage stability and power transfer capability.
•Reduces the line impedance and increases efficiency.
Contd..
Disadvantages:
•More complex and expensive than shunt capacitors.
•Potential for resonance issues if not properly designed.
Example: A transmission line connecting a remote hydroelectric plant to a major
load center uses series capacitors to enhance voltage stability and enable
efficient power transfer.
3. Synchronous Condensers
Function: Synchronous condensers are synchronous machines operated without
a mechanical load. They can be controlled to either generate or absorb reactive
power as needed.
Applications:
•Voltage control in transmission systems.
•Providing dynamic reactive power support.
Advantages:
•Flexible and can provide both leading and lagging reactive power.
•Improves system stability and response to transient conditions.
Contd..
Disadvantages:
•Expensive and requires maintenance similar to large generators.
•Takes up significant space.
Example: A power plant uses a synchronous condenser to provide reactive
power support during periods of high demand or during generator startup and
shutdown.
 4. Static Var Compensators
(SVC)

Function: SVCs use power electronics to provide fast and adjustable reactive
power compensation. They consist of thyristor-controlled reactors and
capacitors.
Applications:
•Industrial facilities with rapidly changing loads.
•Power systems requiring dynamic voltage control.
Advantages:
•Fast response to changing load conditions.
•Improves voltage stability and reduces flicker.
Contd..
Disadvantages:
•Expensive and requires sophisticated control systems.
•Generates harmonics that need filtering.
Example: An industrial facility with electric arc furnaces uses an SVC to stabilize
voltage and ensure consistent operation despite rapid load changes.
 5. Static Synchronous
Compensators (STATCOM)
Function: STATCOMs are advanced power electronic devices that provide
dynamic reactive power support. They use voltage source converters to inject or
absorb reactive power.
Applications:
•Wind farms and other renewable energy sources.
•Transmission systems needing rapid voltage control.
Advantages:
•Very fast response to voltage changes.
•Can provide both leading and lagging reactive power.
•More compact and efficient than SVCs.
Contd..
Disadvantages:
•High initial cost and complexity.
•Requires advanced control and protection systems.
Example: A wind farm with variable output uses a STATCOM to provide reactive
power support, ensuring stable voltage levels despite fluctuations in wind
generation.
6. Shunt Reactors
Function: Shunt reactors are connected in parallel with the transmission line or
substation bus to absorb excess reactive power, particularly in lightly loaded
conditions.
Applications:
•Long, lightly loaded transmission lines.
•Substations requiring voltage control.
Advantages:
•Simple and effective for absorbing excess reactive power.
•Helps to prevent overvoltage conditions.
Contd..
Disadvantages:
•Fixed reactors cannot adapt to changing system conditions.
•Generates losses even when not needed.
Example: A substation at the end of a long transmission line uses shunt reactors
to absorb reactive power during periods of low load, preventing overvoltage.
7. Hybrid Compensation
Function: Combines multiple methods, such as SVCs and capacitors, to provide
optimal reactive power support.
Applications:
•Systems requiring both fixed and dynamic compensation.
•Complex power systems with varying load conditions.
Advantages:
•Provides a balanced approach to reactive power management.
•Optimizes system performance and stability.
Contd..
Disadvantages:
•More complex and expensive to implement.
•Requires integrated control systems.
Example: A regional power grid uses a combination of shunt capacitors, SVCs,
and STATCOMs to manage reactive power, ensuring stability and efficiency
under varying load conditions.
Reactive power control is vital for maintaining voltage stability, improving
power factor, reducing losses, increasing transmission capacity, and enhancing
system reliability. Different methods, from simple shunt capacitors to advanced
STATCOMs, are used based on the specific requirements of the power system.
Proper selection and implementation of these methods ensure efficient and
reliable operation of the electrical grid.
Shunt Capacitors

1. Introduction to Shunt Capacitors: Shunt capacitors are devices

connected in parallel with electrical loads or distribution lines. Their
primary purpose is to provide leading reactive power (capacitive
VARs) to the system, thereby compensating for the lagging reactive
power (inductive VARs) drawn by inductive loads like motors,
transformers, and reactors.
2. Working Principle: Shunt capacitors store energy in the electric
field created between two conductive plates separated by an
insulating material (dielectric). When connected to an AC supply,
they periodically charge and discharge, providing reactive power to
the system.
•AC Voltage Supply: When an AC voltage is applied, the capacitors continuously
charge and discharge.
•Reactive Power Generation: This charging and discharging action creates
leading reactive power that counteracts the lagging reactive power in the
system.
•Voltage Support: By providing reactive power, shunt capacitors help maintain
voltage levels within desired limits.
3. Function of Shunt Capacitors:
•Voltage Regulation: By supplying reactive power locally, shunt capacitors
reduce the need for reactive power to be transmitted over long distances, which
helps in maintaining voltage levels and reducing voltage drops.
Contd..
Power Factor Improvement: Shunt capacitors improve the power factor by
compensating for the inductive reactive power drawn by loads, which decreases
the phase difference between voltage and current.
Reduction of Line Losses: The capacitors reduce the current flowing through the
transmission and distribution lines, leading to reduced I²R losses.
Increased Transmission Capacity: With better voltage regulation and reduced
losses, the effective capacity of the transmission and distribution lines is
increased.
Energy Cost Savings: Improved power factor can lead to reduced demand
charges and lower energy costs for consumers.