Comparative review of reactive power compensation technologies

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.

A Comprehensive Review on Optimal Location and Sizing of Reactive Power Compensation Using Hybrid-Based Approaches for Power Loss Reduction, Voltage Stability Improvement, Voltage Profile Enhancement and Loadability Enhancement

“…In past decades, the synchronous condensers were once broadly used for reactive power compensation before the introduction of power electronic based devices. This type of compensation is rarely used nowadays due to the high power losses, contribute a part in short circuit current, slow response in balancing speedy load changes and high cost [14]. There are two types of synchronous condensers; traditional or conventional synchronous condenser and superconducting synchronous condenser (SuperVAR).…”

Stability problems of PV inverter in weak grid: a review

“…This kind of problem cannot be reflected by the control loop but the voltage balance relationship which may be broken down by the large grid impedance introduced by the large-scale connection structure [59]. The voltage problem is usually solved by reactive power compensation in power system [60]. The interaction, however, between reactive power compensation equipment and inverters also affects system stability and deserves fully discussion.…”

Utilizing the synchronous condenser for robust functioning of wind farm implanted electric grid

“…Power system engineers in the electric-power industry have repeatedly had reactive power compensation as a concern owing to its influence on the active power transfer and on sustaining voltage levels at distinct buses and on the network security. It is noticeable that more than 90 % of regional blackouts in some countries have been brought about by voltage collapse of the transmission network because of inadequate local sources of reactive power, predominantly dynamic or fast acting sources of reactive power provision like that supplied by generators, and flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices [1,2]. The issue of voltage collapse can be successfully resolved by the synchronous condenser (SC) supplying adequate reactive power to the grid [3][4][5][6][7].…”