Reactive Power Compensation

REACTIVE POWER COMPENSATION

ABSTRACT:

The quality of electrical power in a network is a major concern which has to be examined with
caution in order to achieve a reliable electrical power system network. Reactive power
compensation is a means for realising the goal of a qualitative and reliable electrical power
system. This paper made a comparative review of reactive power compensation technologies; the
devices reviewed include Synchronous Condenser, Static Var Compensator (SVC) and Static
Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM). These technologies were defined, critically examined
and compared, the most promising technology is recommended for the realisation of an effective,
efficient, sustainable, qualitative and reliable electrical power network

Investment is necessary for the studies into the security and stability of the power
grid, as well as the improved control schemes of the transmission system. Different
approaches such as reactive power compensation and phase shifting have been applied to increase
the stability and the security of the power systems. The demands of lower power losses, faster
response to system parameter change, and higher stability of system have stimulated the
development of the Flexible AC Transmission systems (FACTS). Based on the success of
research in power electronics switching devices and advanced control technology, FACTS has
become the technology of choice in voltage control, reactive/active power flow control,
transient and steady-state stabilization that improves the operation and functionality of existing
power transmission and distribution system

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1. INTRODUCTION:

The demand of the reactive power is mainly originated from inductive load
connected to the system . These inductive loads generally electromagnetic
circuit of electric motors, electrical transformers, distribution networks and
induction furnaces etc. Reactive power compensation is the defined as the
management of reactive power to improve the performance of AC system .
There are two aspects : - 1. Load compensation 2. Voltage support
During the past two decades, the increase in electrical energy demand has
presented higher requirements from the power industry. More power plants, substations, and
transmission lines need to be constructed. However, the most commonly used devices in
present power grid are the mechanically-controlled circuit breakers. The long switching
periods and discrete operation make them difficult to handle the frequently changed loads
smoothly and damp out the transient oscillations quickly. In order to compensate these
drawbacks, large operational margins and redundancies are maintained to protect the system
from dynamic variation and recover from faults. This not only increases the cost and lowers
the efficiency, but also increases the complexity of the system and augments the difficulty of
operation and control. Severe black-outs happened recently in power grids worldwide and
these have revealed that conventional transmission systems are unable to manage the control
requirements of the complicated interconnections and variable power flow.
Therefore, investment is necessary for the studies into the security and stability of the power
grid, as well as the improved control schemes of the transmission system. Different
approaches such as reactive power compensation and phase shifting have been applied to
increase the stability and the security of the power systems. The demands of lower power
losses, faster response to system parameter change, and higher stability of system have
stimulated the development of the Flexible AC Transmission systems (FACTS) [1]. Based
on the success of research in power electronics switching devices

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2. BASIC PRINCIPAL OF POWER COMPENSATION IN TRANSMISSION

SYSTEM:
Figure 1.1(a) shows the simplified model of a power transmission system. Two power
grids are connected by a transmission line which is assumed lossless and represented by the
reactance XL. V1∠δ1 and V2 ∠δ 2 represent the voltage phasors of the two power grid buses with
angle δ= δ1- δ2 between the two. The corresponding phasor diagram is shown in Figure 1.1(b).

Figure 1. Power transmission system: (a) simplified model; (b) phase diagram

3. REACTIVE POWER:

Reactive power is the power that supplies the stored energy in reactive elements. Power, as
we know, consists of two components, active and reactive power. The total sum of active and
reactive power is called as apparent power. In AC circuits, energy is stored temporarily in
inductive and capacitive elements, which results in the periodic reversal of the direction of
flow of energy between the source and the load. The average power after the completion of
one whole cycle of the AC waveform is the
real power, and this is the usable energy of the system and is used to do work, whereas the
portion of power flow which is temporarily stored in the form of magnetic or electric fields
and flows back and forth in the transmission line due to inductive and capacitive network
elements is
known as reactive power. This is the unused power which the system has to incur in order to
transmit power.

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Inductors (reactors) are said to store or absorb reactive power, because they store energy in
the form of a magnetic field. Therefore, when a voltage is initially applied across a coil, a
magnetic field builds up, and the current reaches the full value after a certain period of time.
This in turn causes the current to lag the voltage in phase.
Capacitors are said to generate reactive power, because they store energy in the form of an
electric field. Therefore when current passes through the capacitor, a charge is built up to
produce the full voltage difference over a certain period of time. Thus in an AC network the
voltage across the capacitor is always charging. Since, the capacitor tends to oppose this
change;
it causes the voltage to lag behind current in phase.
In an inductive circuit, we know the instantaneous power to be:

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4. Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS):

The history of FACTS controllers can be traced back to 1970s when Hingorani
presented the idea of power electronic applications in power system compensation. From then
on, various researches were conducted on the application of high power semiconductors in
transmission systems. The shunt-connected Static VAR compensator (SVC) using solid- state
switches and the series-connected controllers were proposed in AC transmission system
application. In 1988, Hingorani defined the FACTS concept and described the wide prospects
of the application in. Nowadays, FACTS technology has shown strong potential. Many
examples of FACTS devices and controllers are in operation
As presented, FACTS and FACTS controllers are defined in IEEE Terms and
Definitions as:
• Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS): Alternating current transmission systems
incorporating power electronic-based and other static controllers to enhance controllability
and increase power transfer capability.
• FACTS Controller: A power electronic-based system and other static equipment that provide
control of one or more AC transmission system parameters.
As new technology for power transmission system, FACTS and FACTS controllers not only
provide the same benefits as conventional compensators with mechanically- controlled
switches in steady state but also improve the dynamic and transient performance of the power
system. The power electronics-based switches in the functional blocks of FACTS can usually
be operated repeatedly and the switching time is a portion of a periodic cycle, which is much
shorter than the conventional mechanical switches. The advance of semiconductors increases
the switching frequency and voltage-ampere ratings of the solid switches and facilitates the
applications. For example, the switching frequencies of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors
(IGBTs) are from 3 kHz to 10 kHz which is several hundred times the utility frequency of
power system (50~60Hz). Gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs) have a switching frequency lower
than 1 kHz, but the voltage and current rating can reach 5-8 kV and 6 kA respectively [8].
FACTS controllers have many configurations. In general, they can be categorized into shunt-
connected controllers, series-connected controllers and their combinations.

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5.SHUNT-CONNECTED CONTROLLERS:

FACTS controllers can be impedance type, based on thyristors without gate turn-off
capability, which are called Static Var Compensator (SVC) for shunt-connected application.
Another type of FACTS controllers is converter-based which is usually in the form of a Static
Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM).
5.1 Static Var Compensator (Svc)

Static Var Compensator is “a shunt-connected static Var generator or absorber whose output
is adjusted to exchange capacitive or inductive current so as to maintain or control specific
parameters of the electrical power system (typically bus voltage)” [5].
SVC is based on thyristors without gate turn-off capability. The operating principal and
characteristics of thyristors realize SVC variable reactive impedance. SVC includes two main
components and their combination:
(1) Thyristor-controlled and Thyristor-switched Reactor (TCR and TSR); and
(2) Thyristor-switched capacitor (TSC). In Figure 1.4 shows the diagram of SVC.

Figure 2. Static VAR Compensators (SVC): TCR/TSR, TSC, FC and Mechanically Switched
Resistor
TCR and TSR are both composed of a shunt-connected reactor controlled by two parallel,
reverse-connected thyristors. TCR is controlled with proper firing angle input to operate in a

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continuous manner, while TSR is controlled without firing angle control which results in a
step change in reactance.
TSC shares similar composition and same operational mode as TSR, but the reactor is
replaced by a capacitor. The reactance can only be either fully connected or fully
disconnected zero due to the characteristic of capacitor.
With different combinations of TCR/TSR, TSC and fixed capacitors, a SVC can meet various
requirements to absorb/supply reactive power from/to the transmission line.

5.2 CONVERTER-BASED COMPENSATOR

Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) is one of the key Converter-based

Compensators which are usually based on the voltage source inverter (VSI) or current source
inverter (CSI), Unlike SVC, STATCOM controls the output current independently of the AC
system voltage, while the DC side voltage is automatically maintained to serve as a voltage
source. Mostly, STATCOM is designed based on the VSI.

Figure 3. STATCOM topologies: (a) STATCOM based on VSI and CSI (b) STATCOM with
storage
Compared with SVC, the topology of a STATCOM is more complicated. The switching
device of a VSI is usually a gate turn-off device paralleled by a reverse diode; this function

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endows the VSI advanced controllability. Various combinations of the switching devices and
appropriate topology make it possible for a STATCOM to vary the AC output voltage in both
magnitude and phase. Also, the combination of STATCOM with a different storage device or
power source endows the STATCOM the ability to control the real power output.
STATCOM has much better dynamic performance than conventional reactive power
compensators like SVC. The gate turn-off ability shortens the dynamic response time from
several utility period cycles to a portion of a period cycle. STATCOM is also much faster in
improving the transient response than a SVC. This advantage also brings higher reliability and
larger operating range.
STATCOM is a very popular FACTS controller application effective in transmission system
voltage control. Since 1980 when the first STATCOM (rated at 20 Mvar) using force-
commutated thyristor inverters was put into operation in Japan [10], many examples have
been installed and the ratings have been increased considerably. In 1991, KEPCO and
Mitsubishi Motors installed a ±80MVar STATCOM at Inuyama Switching Station [11]. In
1996, TVA, EPRI and Westinghouse installed a ±100MVar STATCOM at Sullivan 500 kV
Substation [12]. In 2001, EPRI and Siemens developed a ±200MVar STATCOM at Marcy
345kV substation . It is expected that more STATCOMs will be installed due to the advances
in technology and commercial success.
STATCOM could have many topologies, but in most practical applications it employs the DC
to AC converter, which can also be called a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) in 3-phase
configuration as the primary block. The basic theory of VSI is to produce a set of controllable
3-phase output voltages/ currents at the fundamental frequency of the ACbus voltage from a
DC input voltage source such as a charged capacitor or a DC energy supply device. By
varying the magnitude and phase angle of the output voltage and current, the system can
exchange active/reactive power between the DC and AC buses, and regulate the AC bus
voltage.

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6 POWER TRIANGLES
Active Power ( P )
Reactive Power ( Q )
Apparent Power ( S )

Active Power ( P )
 It is the power that actually powers the equipment and performs useful
work . Unit of it W .
Reactive Power ( Q ) : -
 It is the power that magnetic equipment { transformer , motor etc. }
needs to produce the magnetizing flux . Unit of it VAr .
Apparent Power ( S ) : -
 It is the “ vectorial summation ” of active power ( P ) and reactive power
( Q ) . Unit of it VA .
SYNCHRONOUS CONDENSER

 Synchronous condensers are the active shunt compensators and have been used to
improve the voltage profile and system stability .
 It is installed at the receiving end of the line

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 When machine is overexcited , it acts as shunt capacitor as it supplies VAr to the

system and when under excited it acts as a shunt coil as it absorbs reactive power to
maintain terminal voltage.
Compensation Techniques

1).Synchronous Condenser
2). Shunt Compensation
3) Series Compensation

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6 Series Compensation: -

Capacitor are connected in series in the lines and are used mainly for boosting the
receiving end voltage, increase in transmission capacity and reduction in losses in the lines .
The capacitive reactance of series capacitor neutralizes the inductive reactance of the line
hence , reduces effective reactance of the line. Thereby , voltage regulation of the system is
improved .

Shunt Compensation: -

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The device that is connected in parallel with the transmission line for reactive power
compensation is called the shunt compensator It can be provided by either a current source,
voltage source or a capacitor. If XC = 1/ωC be the reactance of the shunt capacitor then the
reactive power generated of leading VAr supplied by the capacitor: Where, |V2| is the
magnitude of receiving end voltage. 

7. NEED FOR REACTIVE POWER COMPENSATION:

The main reason for reactive power compensation in a system is: 1) the voltage
regulation; 2) increased system stability; 3) better utilization of machines connected to the
system; 4) reducing losses associated with the system; and 5) to prevent voltage collapse as
well as voltage sag. The impedance of transmission lines and the need for lagging VAR by
most machines in a generating system results in the consumption of reactive power, thus
affecting the stability limits of the system as well as transmission lines. Unnecessary voltage
drops lead to increased losses which needs to be supplied by the source and in turn leading to
outages in the line due to increased stress on the system to carry this imaginary power. Thus
we can infer that the compensation of reactive power not only mitigates all these effects but
also helps in better transient response to faults and disturbances. In recent times there has
been an increased focus on the techniques used for the compensation and with better devices
included in the technology, the compensation is made more effective. It is very much required

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that the lines be relieved of the obligation to carry the reactive power, which is better provided
near the generators or the loads. Shunt compensation can be installed near the load, in a
distribution substation or transmission substation.

ADVANTAGES
 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.29-Aug-2011

DISADVANTAGES
 The total power at any point of time is the sum of Active and Reactive Power.
Reactive power cannot be consumed but only circulates through the system.Active
power is the actual power used by the load to do useful work.
 The more the reactive power the lesser will be the active power. Hence this creates a
demand of extra power on the generators as the active power completely depends on
the load connected.

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8. CONCLUSION:

From all the previous discussion we can conclude that reactive power compensation
is a must for improving the performance of the ac system. By reactive power compensation
we can control the power factor and reduce the consumption of electricity .

Based on the success of research in power electronics switching devices and

advanced control technology, FACTS has become the technology of choice in voltage
control, reactive/active power flow control, transient and steady-state stabilization
that improves the operation and functionality of existing power transmission and distribution
system . The achievement of these studies enlarge the efficiency of the existing generator
units, reduce the overall generation capacity and fuel consumption, and minimize the
operation cost.

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9. REFERENCES

[1] Zhang, B.M.; Ding, Q.F “The development of FACTS and its control”, Advances in
Power System Control, Operation and Management, APSCOM-97. Fourth International
Conference, Vol.1, Nov. 1997, pp: 48 – 53
[2] Paserba, J.J.; “How FACTS controllers benefit AC transmission systems”, Power
Engineering Society General Meeting, IEEE, Vol.2, June 2004, pp:1257 - 1262
[3] Edris, A, “FACTS technology development: an update”, Power Engineering Review,
IEEE, Vol.20, Issue 3, March 2000, pp: 599 - 627
[4] L. Gyugyi, “Application characteristics of converter-based FACTS controllers”, IEEE
Conference on Power System Technology, Vol. 1, pp. 391 - 396, Dec. 2000.

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