The discussion focuses on understanding reactive power, its compensation, and the necessity of such compensation in electrical engineering, particularly in the context of power systems and voltage regulation. Participants explore both theoretical concepts and practical applications related to reactive power.
Participants express varying levels of understanding and experience with reactive power and its compensation, indicating that multiple competing views and approaches exist. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods for compensation and the foundational knowledge required.
Some limitations in understanding may stem from differing backgrounds in electrical engineering and varying levels of familiarity with theoretical versus practical applications of reactive power concepts.
New engineers, students in electrical engineering, and professionals interested in power systems and voltage regulation may find this discussion relevant.
Reactive power is created when ac-voltage and ac-current are phase-shifted 90°. So the power is positive for one half period and negative for the next half period. Thus the resulting power for a whole period will become zero. Reactive power cannot accumulate energy.DjMadness said:How can Reactive power be physically understood?
Reactive power can be positive or negative. A reactance consumes reactive power and a capacitance produces reactive power. So if you have a reactive load, resulting in consumption of reactive power, you can just add a capacitive load, that produces the same reactive power ( with opposite sign ). In this way the grid doesn't have to transmit any reactive power. The reactive power has been compensated.DjMadness said:What is Reactive power compensation?
Because reactive current heats transmission lines due to copper losses. When reactive power is compensated, the reactive current will be reduced, and thus the total amount of current. Thereby energy ( losses ) is saved.DjMadness said:Why is reactive power compensation needed?
Dear Mr. Jimjim hardy said:Dj
can you give a clue as to your background ?Hesch gave a good answer for a beginning student seeking understanding of the basic concept.
A newbie engineer trying to figure out how to adjust var compensation for a power station voltage regulator might need a different approach to his question.
NOT being a wise guy, but - "Who wants to know ? "