Common ways of reactive power compensation - Database & Sql Blog Articles

Overview

Provisions for increasing power factor for electrical loads

The "Power Supply Business Rules" stipulates that the power factor of high voltage users of 100kVA and above should be above 0.90; the power factor of other power users, as well as large and medium-sized power irrigation and drainage stations should be above 0.85; the power factor of agricultural power is above 0.80. Below, Xiaobian will introduce to you the method of reactive power compensation.

Synchronous Generator

The synchronous generator of the power plant is both an active power source and the most basic reactive power source. When a synchronous generator operates at a power factor below 1, it outputs reactive power to the system. The lower the power factor, the more reactive power it needs to supply, which increases the excitation current required by the generator. However, since the excitation current cannot exceed the rated value, the amount of reactive power the generator can provide is limited. Additionally, when operating below the rated power factor, the generator's active power output must be reduced to avoid exceeding the stator current limit.

Camera (Synchronous Condenser)

A camera, or synchronous condenser, is essentially a generator that only generates reactive power and does not produce active power. It supplies inductive reactive power to the system during overexcitation. In addition to providing reactive power, it can also consume reactive power when under-excited. This makes it a flexible option for adjusting reactive power levels simply by changing the excitation current. However, due to its rotating nature, the camera requires significant infrastructure investment, complex operation and maintenance, and higher costs. Moreover, it consumes some active power. With advancements in power container technology and increased usage, traditional cameras are rarely used today.