How Does Reactive Load Affect Alternator Speed?

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A motor-driven alternator connected to a purely reactive load does not slow down overall, despite consuming energy during the first half of the cycle. This is because the energy consumed is returned in the second half, resulting in no net change in velocity over time. While there may be temporary fluctuations in speed, the alternator maintains its average speed due to the cyclical nature of reactive power. The discussion highlights the distinction between reactive power and real power consumption, emphasizing that reactive loads do not lead to a permanent decrease in alternator speed. Thus, the alternator remains stable in speed when connected to purely reactive loads.
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A motor driven alternator connected to local load (in lab), say a lamp bank, slows down due to power consumption by the load I.e. nonzero power angle δ. But should it slow down when δ is zero i.e. with purely reactive load(like in SC test and ZPF test)?
 
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cnh1995 said:
should it slow down when δ is zero i.e. with purely reactive load
No it shouldn't, because it cannot deliver energy anywhere ( nobody to consume it ).

A reactive component will consume energy as for one half of a period ( charge a capacitor / induce current in an inductor ), but the energy will be returned it in the next half.
 
But if it consumes power in the first half cycle, shouldn't it slow down?
 
cnh1995 said:
But if it consumes power in the first half cycle, shouldn't it slow down?
Yes, but it will speed up again in the next half cycle. So over time it will not change velocity.

Of course you could say, that the motor will be halted completely within a half periode, because it must charge a capacitor, but then the term "reactive power" does not make sense any longer.
 
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