Krympress reports:
In electrical networks of alternating current, especially in enterprises with a large number of electric motors, transformers and other industrial equipment, a phenomenon called reactive power arises. Although it does not directly participate in the performance of useful work, its presence affects the stability and effectiveness of the entire energy system. That is why in electrical engineering it is widely used Reactive power compensation — A process that can improve the quality of electricity and reduce costs.
What is reactive power
The electric power in alternating current circuits is divided into active, reactive and complete.
- Active power (BT) — is used to perform useful work: rotation of motors, heating, lighting, etc.
- Reactive power (VAR) is not consumed, but circulates between the source and the consumer. It is created and consumed by elements with inductance or capacity.
- Complete power (wa) is the vector amount of active and reactive.
The presence of a significant reactive component leads to overloading transformers, increasing currents in the network and, as a result, additional loss of electricity.
Why compensate for reactive power
Compensation of reactive power has several goals:
- Reducing energy losses. The smaller the current is on the network, the less loss in the guides.
- The release of the power of transformers and generators. The reactive load occupies part of the power of the equipment without useful operation.
- Stabilization of voltage. The network voltage becomes more stable, especially when starting powerful engines.
- Reducing fines. In many countries and regions of the energy company, sanctions are imposed for a low power coefficient (COS φ), which makes compensation beneficial from an economic point of view.
The main compensation methods
The most common way is the installation of condenser installations that create a reactive power of the opposite sign (capacitive) and thereby compensate for the inductive component.
There are several types of compensation:
- Group — at the level of the main distribution shield.
- Individual — installation of the capacitor directly next to the equipment.
- Centralized — control of the entire reactive power at the substation or at the energy center.
- Automatic — using controllers that track COS φ in real time and connect or disable the capacitors.
In some cases, synchronous compensators or static war-compensators (SVC) in more complex networks and large industrial facilities are also used.
How to determine the need for compensation
The main indicator is the power coefficient (COS φ). It shows which part of full power is used to perform useful work. The closer it is to 1, the better. At values below 0.9 or 0.85, you should already think about compensation.
The analysis is carried out by measuring currents, voltages and angle of phase shift. Energo audit is also used, during which experts determine the exact places of the reactive load and offer solutions.
What is given correctly completed compensation
- Increasing the efficiency of electricity use
- Reducing overload of cables, transformers and distribution devices
- Reduction of electricity accounts (including possible fines)
- Increasing the reliability of power supply and reducing the number of equipment failures
Conclusion
Compensation of reactive power is an important element of rational management of power systems, especially in industry. It allows you to not only save resources, but also extends the service life of the equipment, stabilizes the network parameters and makes the enterprise more stable. With proper design and selection of equipment, this measure pays off quickly and becomes part of the general energy management.
Crimea news | Krympress: Latest news and main events
Comments are closed.