Reactive power compensation has been a necessary part of the operation of commercial electric power systems since electric power distribution was standardized on AC current. The history surrounding the beginning of electric power distribution systems is examined along with past equipment and methods of reactive compensation.;The reactive compensation strategies of several East Tennessee power distributors are examined and discussed. The distributors are also surveyed to determine the problems and drawbacks associated with current methods of reactive power compensation.;Many of the drawbacks associated with present methods of reactive power supply stem from the use of fixed-impedance capacitor banks being connected to the distribution system through a switch. The switching of the capacitors creates voltage transients which are disruptive for some customers and the fixed-impedance results in a less than optimum level of compensation.;The author examines the potential savings of an optimal method of reactive power compensation. The system compensates to near unity power factor at the bus where it is installed. Two applications are considered: a compensation system that is installed at a substation bus and a system that replaces shunt capacitors at line-mounted locations. A sample distribution system is modeled to determine the potential for energy and cost savings based on the implementation of these systems. Actual hourly load data are used to calculate savings for varying load power factors. Additional benefits of value (beyond loss reduction) can potentially be obtained by an optimal method, but are difficult to quantify in financial terms. Loads of low power factor present the best opportunity for reduction in energy loss from an optimal compensation system.
展开▼
